Introduction
The transition from medical school to the wards as a Foundation Year 1 (FY1) doctor is an exciting yet undeniably steep learning curve. The theoretical knowledge gained preparing for exams like the UKMLA (UK Medical Licensing Assessment) now needs to be applied in real-time, often under pressure. Amidst the whirlwind of new responsibilities, one of the most common challenges is quickly and easily accessing the vast amount of clinical information needed to support your decision-making. This is where iatroX, an AI-powered information support tool, can be a valuable companion, helping you efficiently find information from UK clinical guidelines, build your confidence, and support safe, evidence-based practice – with you, the clinician, always in charge.
Your first days, weeks, and beyond: how iatroX can assist your information search
As you step onto the wards, you'll frequently encounter situations requiring a swift check of guidelines, dosages, or management pathways. iatroX is designed to streamline this information retrieval process.
The "quick information check"
Those moments when you need to quickly confirm a drug dose from the BNF, check a side effect, or refresh your memory on a specific step in a NICE guideline are constant. Instead of navigating multiple websites or cumbersome PDFs, iatroX can help you find the specific information you need in seconds. This allows you to complement your existing knowledge and inform your actions more efficiently, which is crucial when time is of the essence.
- Scenario: You're asked to prescribe analgesia for a patient with renal impairment and need to quickly check appropriate NSAID use or alternatives as per BNF and NICE guidance.
- iatroX assisting information search: A quick query in iatroX like "NICE guidance NSAID renal impairment" or "BNF naproxen renal function" can help you locate the relevant details swiftly.
Managing on-call information needs
Being on-call, especially during those initial months, can be daunting. When urgent queries arise, you need access to reliable information quickly to inform your assessment and management plan while awaiting senior input or preparing to discuss the case. iatroX can be an invaluable on-call information tool in these scenarios. It’s important to remember that the junior doctor remains responsible for case management, with iatroX acting as an information retrieval support.
- Scenario: You receive a late-night call about a patient whose blood sugar is unexpectedly high. You want to quickly access information from guidelines on managing hyperglycaemia in an inpatient setting before escalating to your senior.
- iatroX assisting information search: Querying iatroX for "CKS hyperglycaemia management inpatient" can help you rapidly find guideline-based information to structure your thoughts and actions, which you then verify and take full responsibility for implementing or discussing.
Prepping for ward rounds efficiently
Ward rounds are a cornerstone of hospital medicine and a key learning opportunity. Being well-prepared can make a significant difference. iatroX can help you quickly locate information on specific conditions, typical investigation pathways, or drug dosages relevant to your patients, allowing you to anticipate questions and prepare concise, informed presentations. This efficient preparation can make "transition to FY1 support" feel more manageable.
- Scenario: You're about to present a patient newly admitted with community-acquired pneumonia. You want to refresh your memory on the NICE guideline-recommended antibiotics and severity assessment tools.
- iatroX assisting information search: Searching iatroX for "NICE community acquired pneumonia adults" can provide rapid access to the relevant guideline sections.
More than just answers: iatroX supporting your learning
Beyond just finding information, iatroX can play a role in reinforcing your learning and helping to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application – always under your direction and supervision.
Using the Brainstorm feature
As you encounter real cases, you'll be constantly engaging in clinical reasoning. The Brainstorm feature within iatroX can assist you in exploring information relevant to differential diagnoses or management plans based on retrieved guidelines. You can use it to help organise your thinking and ensure you're considering UK guideline-based approaches, which you can then discuss and verify with your seniors. This makes it one of the helpful "FY1 information resources."
Using the Quiz mode
The knowledge tested in the UKMLA needs to remain fresh and be applied clinically. The Quiz mode in iatroX can be a useful tool to test your recall of guideline-based information relevant to clinical encounters. This active recall can help solidify your understanding and application of essential UK medical guidelines for trainees.
Why UK-specific information matters (especially now)
As you begin your career in the NHS, adherence to UK-specific clinical guidelines from sources like NICE, CKS, and the BNF is crucial for safe and effective patient care. iatroX focuses on providing quick access to information from these trusted UK sources, ensuring the guidance you're referencing is directly applicable to your practice. This focus is particularly important when you're new to making clinical decisions and need reliable "new doctor guideline access UK."
A note for junior doctors
"Starting as an FY1 is a whirlwind. Having a tool that helps you quickly find the specific bit of a NICE guideline you need, or double-check a dose in the BNF without trawling through websites, can be a real lifesaver. It doesn't replace your thinking or your seniors' advice, but it gives you a bit more confidence that you can get to the information you need to make informed decisions, fast." – Hypothetical quote from an FY2 doctor.
Explore iatroX before day one
Familiarising yourself with tools that can support your information needs is a great step in preparing for your foundation years. iatroX is free to use and accessible on multiple platforms (web, iOS, and Android), making it a readily available information support tool.
We encourage you to explore iatroX and see how it can assist your information searches as you embark on your medical career.
Conclusion
The journey from medical student to practising junior doctor is filled with learning opportunities and challenges. iatroX is designed to be a supportive information retrieval tool throughout your foundation years, helping you efficiently access information from key UK clinical guidelines like NICE, CKS, and the BNF. By assisting with "fast clinical guideline access," it can help you build confidence, manage on-call queries more effectively, and prepare for ward rounds with greater ease – always ensuring that you, the clinician, are in complete control of the decision-making process.