OpenEvidence vs iatroX (2025): US Evidence App vs UK Guideline Assistant
At a Glance
Who is it for?
iatroX:UK Clinicians & Students
OpenEvidence:US Clinicians & Students
Why choose iatroX?
- **UK-centric**; retrieves from NICE, CKS, BNF
- Free with no professional verification required
- Integrated UK exam quizzes (UKMLA, AKT)
- UKCA-marked medical device
Why choose OpenEvidence?
- **US-centric**; strong focus on US literature
- Excellent for deep research/literature search
- Free for verified HCPs
- Strong adoption in the US market
Feature Comparison
| Capability | iatroX | OpenEvidence |
|---|---|---|
| Access Model | Free; no professional verification required | Free for verified HCPs/medical students |
| Geographic Focus | **UK** (NICE, CKS, BNF) | **US** (AHRQ, FDA, etc.) & Global Literature |
| Governance M H R A | UKCA/MHRA-registered (reference tool, UK) | N/A (US product posture) |
| Audit Trail | History & CPD export | Account-based usage; not a CPD logger |
| Mobile | iOS/Android + web | iOS and Android apps + web |
| Learning | Adaptive quizzes (UK Exam-focused) | Learning via search/discovery (not a Q-bank) |
| Price | £0 (core) | £0 for verified HCPs |
In-Depth Analysis
Overview
The primary difference between OpenEvidence and iatroX is their geographic focus.
OpenEvidence is a US-centric medical AI assistant. It is free for verified healthcare professionals and students, has a strong mobile app presence, and excels at searching US guidelines and global medical literature.
iatroX is a UK-centric medical AI assistant. It is free for all users without verification and is specifically optimised to retrieve, synthesize, and build upon UK national guidelines from NICE, CKS, and the BNF.
When To Use Each
- Choose OpenEvidence if: You are a US-based clinician, a researcher, or need answers based on US guidelines (e.g., AHRQ, ACC/AHA) and broad medical literature.
- Choose iatroX if: You are a UK-based clinician, trainee, or student and need answers that align with NICE guidelines, CKS summaries, and UK prescribing practices.
In-Depth Comparison: The "Right" Answer
For a UK clinician, the "right" answer must align with UK guidance. Asking both tools "What is the first-line treatment for hypertension in a 50-year-old non-Black patient?" would likely yield different results:
- iatroX would cite the NICE NG136 guideline, recommending an ACE inhibitor or ARB.
- OpenEvidence would likely cite the ACC/AHA guidelines, which have different thresholds and recommendations.
In-Depth Comparison: Learning & Governance
iatroX is a UKCA-marked medical device and includes a Quiz bank specifically mapped to UK exams (like UKMLA and MRCGP AKT). OpenEvidence is a US-based tool and does not carry UK regulatory markings, nor is it designed as a UK exam preparation Q-bank.
Public information as of 4 Nov 2025. Trademarks belong to their owners.
Use-Cases
UK clinical workflows
When to choose iatroX
- Get first-line advice for hypertension per NICE
- Check BNF dosing for a UK-specific drug
When to choose OpenEvidence
- Get answers based on US guidelines (e.g., ACC/AHA)
UK Medical Student (UKMLA)
When to choose iatroX
- Use 'Quiz' mapped to UKMLA
- Brainstorm cases for OSCE/SCA
When to choose OpenEvidence
- Useful for general medical knowledge
- Answers may not align with UK guidelines
Verification & Access
When to choose iatroX
- Immediate access, no verification needed
When to choose OpenEvidence
- Requires verification of HCP/student status
FAQs
- Is OpenEvidence free?
- Yes, it is free for verified HCPs and medical students. You must complete a verification process to gain access.
- Does iatroX require verification?
- No. iatroX is free to use for everyone without professional verification.
- Is OpenEvidence suitable for UK doctors?
- While a powerful tool, its US-centric guideline database may provide answers that conflict with UK (NICE/CKS) guidance, making it less suitable for direct UK point-of-care use.