Best medical learning platforms in the UK (2026): iatroX vs e-LfH vs BMJ Learning vs Q-Banks

Dr Kola Tytler (MBBS, MBA, MRCGP)||4 min read
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Introduction

The term "medical learning platform" has become a catch-all for a fragmented marketplace. For a UK clinician, it can mean anything from a mandatory NHS fire safety module to a high-performance adaptive question bank for the MRCP.

To make an informed choice, you need to categorise the tools based on the job they do. In 2026, the landscape is defined by three distinct buckets:

  1. NHS Workforce Learning: Mandatory and statutory training.
  2. Structured CPD: Peer-reviewed modules for revalidation.
  3. Exam Platforms (Q-Banks): High-yield revision for high-stakes tests.

This guide provides a rigorous comparison of the market leaders—e-LfH, BMJ Learning, and the major Q-banks—and explains where new adaptive tools like iatroX fit into a modern learning stack.

What “medical learning platform” actually means

Bucket 1: NHS workforce learning (e-LfH)

  • The Player: e-Learning for Healthcare (e-LfH).
  • The Role: This is the NHS's own platform. It is the definitive source for statutory and mandatory training (e.g., safeguarding, data security) and houses vast, free catalogues for specialty training (e.g., e-GP, ICE). It is essential, free, and integrated with your Electronic Staff Record (ESR).

Bucket 2: CPD modules (BMJ Learning)

  • The Player: BMJ Learning.
  • The Role: High-quality, peer-reviewed modules designed for Continuing Professional Development. It excels at deep dives into clinical topics (e.g., "Management of Heart Failure") and provides robust certificates for appraisal. It is often free for BMA members or via institutional access.

Bucket 3: Exam platforms / Q-banks

  • The Players: PassMedicine, Pastest, Quesmed, Plabable, Geeky Medics.
  • The Role: These are "drill instructors." They provide thousands of exam-format questions (SBA/EMQ) to test knowledge application. They are essential for passing the UKMLA, MRCGP AKT, MRCP, and PLAB.

How to choose: a clinician’s scoring rubric

Don't just buy the most popular one. Evaluate any platform in 10 minutes using this rubric:

  1. Mapping: Does it explicitly map to your exam blueprint (e.g., the GMC MLA Content Map)?
  2. Explanation Quality: Does it explain why the distractor is wrong, not just why the answer is right?
  3. Analytics: Does it identify your weak domains (e.g., "You are weak in Paediatric Cardiology")?
  4. Adaptivity: Does it serve you questions based on your needs, or just in a random list?
  5. Mobile UX: Can you use it effectively on a phone during a 10-minute break?

Shortlist by job-to-be-done

  • "I need structured CPD for my appraisal": Use BMJ Learning. It is the gold standard for verifiable, reflective CPD.
  • "I need to tick off my mandatory NHS training": Use e-LfH. It is the only platform that matters for statutory compliance.
  • "I need to pass a high-stakes exam": Use a Q-Bank. For sheer volume and value, PassMedicine is the incumbent. For MRCP depth, Pastest is strong. For a modern interface and OSCE integration, Quesmed is excellent.

Where iatroX fits in the modern stack

iatroX enters the market as a "Learning + Recall Loop." It bridges the gap between a Q-bank and a reference tool.

  • The Differentiator: While traditional Q-banks are static, iatroX uses an adaptive engine. It tracks your performance and uses spaced repetition to resurface questions on your weak topics at the optimal time for memory retention.
  • The Workflow: It allows you to move from a clinical query (using the Ask feature to find a guideline) directly into a learning moment (using the Quiz feature to test yourself on that guideline), closing the loop between practice and theory.

Recommended stacks

UK GP trainee stack

  • Core: RCGP Portfolio + FourteenFish (for ePortfolio).
  • Reference: NICE CKS + BNF.
  • Exam Prep (AKT): PassMedicine (Volume) + iatroX (Adaptive/Spaced Repetition).
  • CPD: Red Whale (Updates) + BMJ Learning.

UK med student / UKMLA stack

  • Core: GMC MLA Content Map.
  • Exam Prep: Passmedicine or Quesmed (Primary Bank) + Geeky Medics (OSCEs).
  • Retention: iatroX (Adaptive Quiz) or Anki (Flashcards).

IMG (PLAB → UK practice) stack

  • Core: GMC Good Medical Practice.
  • Exam Prep: Plabable (PLAB 1) + Geeky Medics (PLAB 2).
  • Transition: iatroX (to learn UK-specific guidelines like NICE vs international norms).

FAQ

Is e-LfH free? Yes, it is free for all NHS staff and students with an eligible email address (e.g., nhs.net or ac.uk).

Which platform is best for the UKMLA? There is no single "best," but Passmedicine and Quesmed are the market leaders. Combining one of these with Geeky Medics for the CPSA (OSCE) provides complete coverage.

Does iatroX replace PassMedicine? For many, it acts as a powerful complement. Use PassMedicine for mass volume, and use iatroX for targeted, adaptive revision of your weak areas and for on-the-go guideline verification.

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