The Bottom Line
- In many NHS setups, you must register while on-site (Trust network) before remote access works.
- Create a personal account for off-site access and the mobile app—this reduces friction and protects your workflow.
- If your Trust has access, you can often use UpToDate on-site without a password, then ‘upgrade’ to personal remote access.
The most common UpToDate problem in the NHS is not ‘lack of subscription’; it’s activation friction. Many NHS library guides describe a consistent pattern: UpToDate works on-site (Trust network), and you then create a personal login that unlocks remote use and mobile app access. This toolkit gives you a clean sequence so you can set it up once and never think about it again.
Set-up sequence (do this once)
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1) Confirm whether your Trust provides access
Check your library/intranet resources. If UpToDate is licensed, you can typically access it on Trust computers without needing a password (on-site network access).
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2) Open UpToDate on-site first (the key step)
Library guides frequently require on-site access first. Log in from a Trust machine/network, then create or link your personal account while you’re on-site.
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3) Create a personal account (for remote access + app)
Once you have on-site activation, create your personal login so you can access off-site and use the mobile app. This reduces future friction massively.
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4) Set up the mobile app
Use your personal login within the app. Many NHS guides describe this as a benefit of completing the on-site setup step first.
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5) Keep it ‘always on’
Bookmark it, pin it, and avoid re-logging in under pressure. Most clinicians lose time due to re-authentication loops rather than the tool itself.
Why this matters (workflow math)
If you use a point-of-care tool multiple times per day, even a 30–60 second login delay compounds into real time loss across a week. Treat access setup like clinical admin: do it once properly and bank the time forever.
SourceNHS library guide: accessing UpToDate (example)
Open Link SourceNHS guide: UpToDate Anywhere access (example)
Open Link SourceUpToDate: clinical decision support overview (official)
Open Link