BMJ Best Practice vs SIGN Guidelines (2025): The Tool vs The Source

Last reviewed: 2025-12-19 · Reviewed by

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At a Glance

Who is it for?

BMJ Best Practice:Clinicians

SIGN Guidelines:Scottish NHS

Why choose BMJ Best Practice?

  • **Actionable**: Designed to be used *during* a consultation.
  • **Broad**: Covers thousands of conditions.
  • **Updates**: Rolling updates as evidence changes.

Why choose SIGN Guidelines?

  • **Methodology**: Rigorous systematic review of evidence.
  • **Transparency**: Explains the grade of evidence for every recommendation.
  • **Focus**: Detailed coverage of specific priority conditions (e.g., Asthma, Diabetes).

Feature Comparison

CapabilityBMJ Best PracticeSIGN Guidelines
RoleImplementationStandard Setting
FormatApp / WebsitePDF / Publication

In-Depth Analysis

Overview

SIGN does the heavy lifting of reviewing the raw science to create the guideline. BMJ Best Practice digests that guideline (and others) into a format you can actually use on a ward round.

Looking for a faster way?

While BMJ Best Practice and SIGN Guidelines are powerful tools, iatroX offers a free, AI-driven alternative focused specifically on rapid UK guideline retrieval and exam prep.

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Use-Cases

Quick Check

When to choose BMJ Best Practice

  • **Winner.** Instant access to dosing and steps.

When to choose SIGN Guidelines

  • Slower; better for reading in depth.

Policy Writing

When to choose BMJ Best Practice

  • Good reference.

When to choose SIGN Guidelines

  • **Winner.** The definitive source for protocols.