NICE CKS vs iatroX (2025): Evidence Summaries vs AI-Assisted Retrieval
A complementary comparison of NICE CKS—concise, UK primary-care evidence summaries—and iatroX, which adds AI-assisted retrieval, brainstorming, and exam support.
Evidence-based head-to-heads for UK clinicians. No hype; just workflows, governance and cost.
A complementary comparison of NICE CKS—concise, UK primary-care evidence summaries—and iatroX, which adds AI-assisted retrieval, brainstorming, and exam support.
Medwise focuses on enterprise search of guidance/policy with local document integration and analytics; iatroX focuses on free, UK clinician use with rapid retrieval, brainstorming and exams.
Praktiki focuses on bite-sized, AI-assisted micro-learning with CPD tracking and FourteenFish sync; iatroX focuses on UK guideline retrieval, brainstorming and exam prep.
OpenEvidence is a US-centric medical search/AI app that’s free for verified HCPs and available on iOS/Android; iatroX is free and UK-centric, optimised for NICE/CKS/BNF retrieval and workflow.
Eolas provides an enterprise answer engine (RAG) for hospitals, transforming local documents and guidelines into trusted answers with case-study evidence; iatroX is a free UK assistant for individuals.
A critical comparison of iatroX (a UKCA-marked medical device for UK guidelines) and generalist AI like ChatGPT (a public large language model for all tasks).
A comparison of iatroX's free, integrated Quiz/AI platform against dedicated, paid subscription Q-banks like PassMedicine and Quesmed for UK medical exam prep.
A comparison of UpToDate (a subscription-based, global, specialist-level evidence library) and iatroX (a free, UK-centric AI assistant for national guidelines).
A comparison of the BNF (the definitive UK prescribing reference) and iatroX (an AI assistant that provides contextual, guideline-based answers citing the BNF).
A comparison of iatroX's free, integrated AI guideline assistant and quiz tool against the dedicated, subscription-based Quesmed platform for UK medical exams.
A comparison of iatroX's free, integrated Quiz/AI platform against the dedicated, subscription-based PassMedicine Q-bank for UK medical exam prep.
A comparison of iatroX's free, adaptive quiz & AI platform against GP SelfTest, the official subscription-based learning tool from the RCGP for AKT prep.
A comparison of GP Notebook (a classic, subscription-based online encyclopaedia for primary care) and iatroX (a free, AI-powered assistant for guideline Q&A and quizzes).
A comparison of Amboss (a premium, US-centric medical learning platform and Q-bank) and iatroX (a free, UK-centric AI assistant for NICE/CKS guidelines and quizzes).
A comparison of iatroX's free, UKMLA-aligned quiz & AI platform against PLABable, the dedicated subscription Q-bank for the PLAB exam.
A comparison of iatroX's new AI-powered adaptive Q-bank for US boards against the comprehensive, trusted UWorld platform for USMLE and specialty exams.
Compare iatroX's new AI-adaptive Q-bank for US boards (IM, FM, EM) against the highly-trusted, specialty-focused Rosh Review platform.
Compare iatroX's new AI-adaptive Q-bank for Internal Medicine against MKSAP, the comprehensive, official board review curriculum from the American College of Physicians (ACP).
Compares CanadaQBank’s long-established MCCQE/CFPC Q-banks with iatroX’s AI-driven Canadian Q-bank (~5,000 questions) spanning MCCQE Part I, CCFP and RCPSC IM/EM.
Compares Ace QBank’s MCCQE1-focused Q-bank (high-yield MCQs, CDM cases and self-assessments) with iatroX’s broader Canadian Q-bank that spans MCCQE1, CCFP and RCPSC IM/EM.
Compares Ace the Exam’s large ACEM Primary and RACP Divisional Written Q-banks with iatroX’s AI-driven Australian Q-bank (~5,000 questions) spanning AMC, RACGP AKT, RACP and ACEM.
Compares RACGPExam.com’s AKT & KFP Q-banks for FRACGP with iatroX’s AI-driven Australian Q-bank that spans AMC, RACGP AKT, RACP and ACEM Primary.
BMJ Best Practice is a structured, evidence-based clinical decision support tool with topic pages designed around diagnostic and management pathways. iatroX is a free, UKCA-marked AI assistant optimised for fast Q&A grounded in UK guidelines.
MDCalc is a widely used library of medical calculators and risk scores. iatroX is a free, UKCA-marked AI assistant that helps you interpret scores within UK-guideline context and translate them into management steps.
Accurx Switch (formerly Induction Switch) and Pando are clinical communications tools focused on directory, messaging, and workflow. iatroX is a free, UKCA-marked AI medical assistant focused on UK-guideline clinical knowledge and decision support.
Geeky Medics is a leading education platform for OSCE preparation with OSCE stations and (increasingly) virtual patient simulations. iatroX is a free, UKCA-marked AI assistant focused on interrogatable UK guidance plus scenario reasoning and exam prep for clinicians.
Pastest is a well-known paid exam preparation platform with large question banks, mocks, and multimedia for many UK exams. iatroX Quiz complements this with a free, UK-guideline-grounded assistant and reasoning-focused learning (Ask/Brainstorm/Quiz).
Zero to Finals is popular for clear, student-friendly explanations and revision resources. iatroX is a free, UKCA-marked AI assistant designed for clinicians who need interrogatable UK-guideline precision and point-of-care answers.
Oxford Medical Handbooks apps are trusted digital versions of classic pocket references (curated, concise, searchable). iatroX is a free, UKCA-marked AI assistant that answers questions dynamically using UK-guideline grounding and conversational follow-up.
Red Whale is a respected GP education provider focused on structured CPD and planned learning. iatroX is a free, UKCA-marked AI assistant designed for just-in-time, guideline-grounded answers during real consultations, plus scenario reasoning and exam prep.
A comparison of the two giants of clinical decision support: UpToDate's encyclopaedic specialist depth versus BMJ Best Practice's concise, process-oriented flowcharts.
The classic battle for MRCP and medical student finals: PassMedicine's unbeatable comment threads and textbook integration vs Pastest's massive question volume and 'past paper' focus.
PassMedicine's dominance in the UK market is being challenged by Quesmed, which brings a modern UI, integrated Anki-style flashcards, and group study tools to the UKMLA.
A comparison of the two essential apps on a junior doctor's phone: Induction for finding extension numbers, and Pando for securely discussing patient tasks.
MDCalc is the gold standard for clinical calculators with unparalleled transparency, while QxMD offers calculators as part of a broader 'Read' ecosystem for journal updates.
A comparison of the commercial, interlinked encyclopaedia of GP Notebook against the official, concise summaries of NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries.
Geeky Medics dominates with high-production video guides and a freemium model, while OSCEstop offers dense, rapid-revision text summaries for free.
The battle for the GP Appraisal portfolio. FourteenFish offers a modern, mobile-first experience that integrates with the Trainee Portfolio, while Clarity represents the traditional, established corporate option.
Zero to Finals offers concise, UK-guideline based summaries perfect for audio learning, while Osmosis provides rich, animated visual explanations for a global audience.
While the BNF is the official safety reference, MIMS excels at comparison tables and product selection, helping clinicians choose *which* drug to prescribe.
A head-to-head of the two leading 'freemium' AI scribes. Heidi Health excels at custom templates and letter writing, while Nabla focuses on speed and a 'zero retention' privacy model.
VisualDx is an interactive CDSS that builds a differential diagnosis based on visual patterns, whereas DermNet NZ is the world's most trusted static library of dermatology images.
A critical safety distinction: ToxBase is the dedicated, live database for managing poisoning and overdose, while the BNF is for standard prescribing and contraindications.
The two pillars of UK GP workflow. Accurx dominates quick communication (SMS/Toolbar), while eConsult dominates the structured 'Digital Front Door' for patient intake.
The classic CDSS rivalry. UpToDate offers narrative depth and reputation, while DynaMed offers bulleted speed and often faster updates.
MicroGuide is the definitive app for *local* hospital antimicrobial and clinical policies. iatroX is the assistant for *national* (NICE/CKS) guidelines. Hospital clinicians need both.
Anki is the legendary, high-friction tool for manual spaced repetition. iatroX is the low-friction, AI-powered alternative that generates the questions for you based on guidelines.
Ardens is the essential toolkit for *recording* data and claiming funding in UK General Practice. iatroX is the assistant for *retrieving* the knowledge to make the decision.
Consensus (and similar tools like Scite/Elicit) use AI to find answers in raw academic research papers. iatroX uses AI to find answers in established clinical guidelines (NICE/CKS).
The daily dilemma for hospital doctors: MicroGuide tells you *what* to prescribe (local policy), while the BNF tells you *how* to prescribe it safely (national safety).
Anki is the utilitarian, algorithm-driven powerhouse for long-term retention. Quizlet is the polished, gamified platform for casual learning and sharing.
Complete Anatomy (3D4Medical) offers a powerful 3D engine to manipulate models. Kenhub offers a structured, multimedia course with videos and articles.
DynaMedex (DynaMed + Micromedex) is the gold-standard for bulleted, rapid-reference summaries. iatroX is the AI assistant that synthesizes answers from UK guidelines (NICE/CKS) conversationally.
ClinicalKey AI uses GenAI to search Elsevier's massive library of textbooks. iatroX uses AI to search UK national guidelines (NICE/CKS).
Medscape is a massive, ad-supported US medical news and reference portal. iatroX is a focused, ad-free UK clinical assistant.
Lexicomp is the world's most detailed drug database. iatroX helps you choose the drug based on guidelines, but uses the BNF/NICE for details.
Micromedex is the heavy-hitter for toxicology and hospital pharmacy. iatroX is the assistant for general clinical practice.
Isabel takes symptoms and lists diagnoses. iatroX takes questions and gives answers. iatroX's 'Brainstorm' mode bridges the gap.
VisualDx is the world leader in visual diagnosis (Dermatology). iatroX is the leader in text-based guideline retrieval.
Radiopaedia is the definitive free resource for radiology reference. iatroX is the assistant for clinical decision making.
BMJ Learning provides formal, accredited modules for CPD. iatroX turns your daily clinical questions into CPD reflections instantly.
e-LfH is the NHS platform for statutory and mandatory training. iatroX is the platform for clinical knowledge and curiosity.
RCGP Learning offers high-quality, college-approved courses for GPs. iatroX offers instant answers and exam-style quizzes for the same audience.
eIntegrity licenses NHS e-LfH content to the rest of the world. iatroX provides a UK-style clinical assistant globally.
Accurx Scribe listens to the consult and writes the notes. iatroX listens to *you* and gives you the guidelines.
TORTUS is an AI scribe that integrates with hospital systems to automate notes and coding. iatroX is the AI brain that provides clinical answers and guidelines.
Nabla is a fast, privacy-first AI scribe focused on generating the SOAP note. iatroX is an AI assistant focused on answering clinical questions.
NICE CKS is the official, concise standard for NHS primary care. BMJ Best Practice is a comprehensive, flowchart-based guide for the whole patient journey.
UpToDate provides synthesized expert reviews (digital textbook). ClinicalKey provides the raw materials (search engine for journals/books).
The battle of the point-of-care tools. BMJ BP is flow-based and UK-centric. DynaMed is bullet-based and US-centric (but faster).
DynaMed is for quick answers at the bedside. ClinicalKey is for deep reading in the library.
Medscape is a great free resource for overviews and news. UpToDate is the paid gold standard for detailed clinical management.
The BNF is the UK's safety bible. Lexicomp is the world's pharmacology encyclopedia.
The two heavyweights of drug information. Lexicomp is generally preferred for its interface; Micromedex for its toxicology and IV compatibility.
TOXBASE is the UK's official poisons database. Micromedex is the global comprehensive standard.
Isabel generates lists of diagnoses from text. VisualDx generates lists of diagnoses from visual patterns/images.
DermNet is a free static library of images. VisualDx is an intelligent diagnostic engine.
eConsult is the comprehensive, safety-first incumbent. Challengers like Anima, Klinik, and PATCHS focus on speed, AI integration, and user experience.
The two systems that run UK Primary Care. EMIS is Windows-like and modular. SystmOne is rigid, integrated, and powerful.
The Maudsley is the bible for complex psychiatry (high-dose, augmentation). iatroX provides standard safety guidelines (NICE/BNF).
Epocrates is the classic US tool for pill identification and interaction checking. iatroX is the assistant for clinical reasoning and guidelines.
Guidelines.co.uk (and the yellow handbook) is a library of summarized guideline PDFs. iatroX reads the guidelines for you and answers your specific question.
Dr Toolbox tells you *how* to request a test (extensions, forms). iatroX tells you *why* to request it (guidelines).
The PCF is the gold standard for off-label palliative prescribing. iatroX focuses on standard disease management and safety.
Google gives you the most popular answer (Mayo Clinic, Healthline). iatroX gives you the correct UK answer (NICE/CKS).
BoardVitals is the go-to for niche specialty boards (Psychiatry, OBGYN). iatroX is the adaptive AI choice for core medicine (IM/FM/EM).
StatPearls offers volume (100k+ questions linked to articles). iatroX offers curated, adaptive quality.
TrueLearn is the leader for DO (Osteopathic) students and data analytics. iatroX is the leader for AI-driven clinical reasoning.
NEJM Knowledge+ is the prestigious choice for Maintenance of Certification (MOC). iatroX is the agile choice for active learning.
Sketchy uses cartoons to help you memorize facts (Micro/Pharm). iatroX uses clinical questions to help you understand reasoning.
Lecturio is 'Netflix for Med School'—high-quality video lectures. iatroX is an active, adaptive question bank.
The defining debate for every US medical student. UWorld is the essential exam simulator. Amboss is the powerful library + Q-bank combo.
Sketchy teaches through long, cohesive stories (better for retention). Picmonic uses quick, rapid-fire images (better for speed).
TeachMeAnatomy is the gold standard for learning anatomical structure. iatroX is for applying that anatomy to clinical diagnosis and function.
Patient.info is the UK's go-to for patient leaflets and overview articles. iatroX is the dedicated assistant for clinical decision making.
NB Medical provides the legendary 'Hot Topics' course and book (periodic updates). iatroX provides live, daily answers at the point of care.
Wiki Journal Club summarizes the seminal research papers (the 'Why'). iatroX summarizes the clinical guidelines (the 'What').
Amboss UK is a massive, searchable library and Q-bank. iatroX is an AI assistant for Q&A and reasoning. Both target the UKMLA.
LITFL is the definitive open-access resource for Emergency Medicine, critical care, and ECGs. iatroX is a guideline-driven assistant for standard-of-care diagnosis and management.
Elicit uses AI to automate literature reviews for researchers, analyzing raw papers. iatroX uses AI to retrieve clinical guidelines for practitioners, analyzing national standards.
The PCDS website is the visual diagnostic bible for UK GPs. iatroX provides the prescribing ladders, referral criteria, and management guidelines to support it.
The BNF tells you if an interaction exists (Red/Amber). Stockley's tells you *why* it happens, the mechanism, and if you can clinically manage it.
The battle for medical notes. Notion is a collaborative, aesthetic workspace for life admin. Obsidian is a private, linked knowledge graph for long-term learning.
First Aid is the book you memorize facts from (the dictionary). Pathoma is the voice that explains the concepts (the narrative). You need both.
Otter.ai transcribes words perfectly but is unsafe for patients. Nabla understands medicine, generates structured notes, and protects privacy.
A comparison of the underlying models. ChatGPT (OpenAI) is the creative all-rounder with tools. Claude (Anthropic) is the precise, safety-focused reader better at guidelines.
OrthoBullets is the definitive resource for surgical classification and technique. iatroX is the assistant for peri-operative medical management (VTE, antibiotics, comorbidities).
RightBreathe is the essential toolkit for inhaler technique and device identification. iatroX helps you decide which class of drug to prescribe (SABA vs LABA vs ICS).
Mind the Bleep is the ultimate guide to 'being a junior doctor' (logistics, tasks, survival). iatroX is the guide to 'being a clinician' (diagnosis, reasoning, guidelines).
Perplexity is a powerful AI search engine for finding information on the web. iatroX is a governed medical device for retrieving safe clinical guidelines.
Radiopaedia is the free, community-driven bible of radiology. StatDx is the paid, expert-authored standard for definitive reporting.
eTG is the definitive 'Bible' of Australian prescribing. iatroX is the AI assistant that helps you find and apply those guidelines in real-time.
Boards and Beyond is the gold standard for comprehensive video lectures. iatroX is the modern standard for active, adaptive AI learning.
Toronto Notes is the essential print companion for Canadian medical schools. iatroX is the live, digital assistant that fits in your pocket.
ScriptSwitch pops up to save the NHS money (switching to generics). iatroX helps you choose the right drug clinically in the first place.
Read by QxMD is for keeping up with new research papers. iatroX is for getting answers from established guidelines.
eMedici is the premier Q-bank for Australian medical students. iatroX is the AI assistant that supports you from medical school through to fellowship.
The Medical Council of Canada sells official practice tests (PE-Lite). iatroX offers unlimited AI-driven practice and reasoning.
iMeducate is the niche exam prep tool for Australasian Emergency Medicine (ACEM). iatroX is the broader AI tool for clinical practice.
Fellow Academy (formerly PassRACGP) is famous for its specialized KFP coaching and feedback. iatroX offers AI-driven case brainstorming to build similar reasoning skills.
Amedex is a leading Q-bank specifically for the AMC (Australian Medical Council) exams for IMGs. iatroX supports IMGs with guideline Q&A and broad clinical preparation.
Osmosis uses short, beautiful animations to teach concepts. Lecturio uses comprehensive video lectures from medical professors.
TeachMeAnatomy is the incredibly high-quality free encyclopedia. Kenhub is the premium, guided video course for anatomy.
CanadaQBank is laser-focused on the MCCQE format. AMBOSS offers a superior library and interface but is less specific to the Canadian exam quirks.