NHS Pathways vs SIGN Guidelines (2025): Triage Algorithm vs Clinical Science

Last reviewed: 2025-12-19 · Reviewed by

At a Glance

Who is it for?

NHS Pathways:111 / 999

SIGN Guidelines:Clinicians (Scotland)

Why choose NHS Pathways?

  • **Operational**: Manages patient flow and ambulance resources.
  • **Rigid**: No room for interpretation.
  • **Live**: Real-time decision making.

Why choose SIGN Guidelines?

  • **Academic**: Based on systematic review of evidence.
  • **Flexible**: Guidelines are 'recommendations', not laws.
  • **Reference**: Used for study and protocol writing.

Feature Comparison

CapabilityNHS PathwaysSIGN Guidelines
PurposeLogistics & SafetyClinical Excellence
FormatSoftwarePDF / App

In-Depth Analysis

Overview

There is no overlap here. NHS Pathways is a logistical tool for the emergency services. SIGN is an educational tool for clinicians.

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Use-Cases

Dispatching an Ambulance

When to choose NHS Pathways

  • **Winner.**

When to choose SIGN Guidelines

  • N/A

Treating Heart Failure

When to choose NHS Pathways

  • N/A

When to choose SIGN Guidelines

  • **Winner.** Gold standard evidence.