For years, GPnotebook has been the default "open tab" on GP desktops across the UK. But with the introduction of strict page limits for free users, many clinicians are facing a decision: upgrade to GPnotebook Pro or look for alternatives.
Is the subscription actually worth it? If you are a high-volume user who relies on it for CPD tracking, the answer is likely yes. If you just need quick answers, the maths might not stack up. Here is the breakdown.
What you get in Pro
The core pitch of GPnotebook Pro is that it turns your daily "looking things up" into verifiable CPD. Instead of just reading a page on Hyponatraemia and closing the tab, Pro captures that activity.
- Unlimited Access: No more "You have reached your limit" popups.
- Automatic CPD Tracking: Every page view and video watch is logged. You can add "reflective notes" and export a PDF report for your annual appraisal.
- Pro-Only Content: Access to "GPnotebook TV" video modules and specific deep-dive podcast episodes.
- MCQ Quizzes: Monthly quizzes that test your knowledge on recent updates (also tracked for CPD credits).
Pricing and cancellation
The pricing structure is simple, with a significant incentive to pay annually.
- Monthly: £7.99 per month (rolling contract).
- Annual: £71.88 per year (equivalent to £5.99 per month).
Note: Prices include VAT.
Cancellation: You can cancel the monthly subscription at any time via your account dashboard. It does not tie you into a long-term contract unless you choose the annual saver option.
Who Pro is for (3 personas)
1. The "Locum/Salaried" needing hassle-free CPD If you struggle to log your 50 hours of CPD and find yourself panic-writing reflections in March, Pro is a no-brainer. The ability to just "do your job" and have a system passively record 20 hours of reading credits over the year is worth the £72 alone.
2. The GP Trainee The value here is lower. You likely already have a portfolio (FourteenFish/Kaizen) and access to other funded resources. Unless you specifically love the GPnotebook video style, you might find the "passive tracking" less useful than active case logs.
3. The ACP/ANP High value. GPnotebook’s concise style is often perfect for the specific scope of Advanced Clinical Practice. The "Study Groups" and video content can be excellent evidence of maintaining clinical currency in a specialised role.
Better-value stacks
Depending on your primary goal, you might build a better "stack" of tools for less money.
Stack A: The "CPD Hunter"
- Goal: Passive CPD collection.
- Tool: GPnotebook Pro (£71.88/yr).
- Why: It is the only tool that automates the admin of reading.
Stack B: The "Point-of-Care" Speedster
- Goal: Fast answers in consults.
- Tool: Free GPnotebook (limit) + CKS Summaries + AI Search.
- Why: You rarely need the deep archive for quick checks. The free tier of GPnotebook combined with open access NICE CKS covers 90% of "what is the dose?" queries without a cost.
Stack C: The "Exam Candidate"
- Goal: Passing AKT/MSRA.
- Tool: Dedicated Q-bank + iatroX.
- Why: GPnotebook Pro's quizzes are good for general updates, but they are not exam-focused. You are better off spending your budget on a question bank and using a free adaptive engine for retention.
Where iatroX fits
If you are looking for a clinical search tool that doesn't hit you with a paywall after 5 pages, iatroX is the modern alternative.
- Always Free: The core clinical search and "iatroX pages" are free to access with no "article limits."
- No Ads: Unlike the free version of legacy sites which can be cluttered with pharma ads, iatroX remains clean.
- Adaptive Learning: While GPnotebook Pro tracks what you read, iatroX tests if you learned it. Its built-in adaptive quiz engine uses spaced repetition to ensure that the guideline you looked up today is actually retained next week.
FAQ
What happens after the trial? When you create a new account, you typically get a trial of Pro features. Once this ends, your account reverts to "Standard." You will lose access to the CPD dashboard and hit the monthly page view limit, but your account data remains safe.
Can I export my CPD to FourteenFish? GPnotebook Pro allows you to export a PDF summary. You will still need to upload this PDF manually to your FourteenFish or appraisal toolkit; there is no direct API "sync" button at this time.