Red Whale (GP Update) vs iatroX (2025): planned learning courses vs just-in-time consult support
At a Glance
Who is it for?
iatroX:UK clinicians who want rapid, guideline-grounded answers (NICE/CKS/BNF) during consults, and a low-friction tool to support safe decisions and learning-in-the-moment.
Red Whale (GP Update):UK GPs and primary care clinicians who want high-quality, structured CPD via courses, updates, and curated educational content.
Why choose iatroX?
- **Just-in-time answers**: designed for the reality of consults (fast Q&A grounded in NICE/CKS/BNF).
- **Interactive reasoning**: Brainstorm supports case-based exploration (differentials, uncertainty, next steps).
- **Free for individuals**: enables frequent use without subscription friction.
- **Workflow integration**: supports “micro-learning” in the moment, reinforcing guidance repeatedly in real contexts.
Why choose Red Whale (GP Update)?
- **Gold standard for planned learning**: curated GP education with a strong reputation for CPD quality.
- **Structured CPD journey**: ideal for staying up to date systematically rather than ad-hoc lookup.
- **Primary care focus**: content is designed around the needs and priorities of UK general practice.
Feature Comparison
| Capability | iatroX | Red Whale (GP Update) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary_mode | On-demand consult support (Ask) + scenario reasoning (Brainstorm) + exam prep (Quiz). | Planned learning and CPD via courses and curated educational materials. |
| Timing | Just-in-time: designed to be used during (or immediately around) a clinical question. | Planned: designed for protected learning time and structured updates. |
| Pricing | Free for individuals. | Paid subscriptions/memberships (e.g., Red Whale Unlimited lists monthly and annual pricing). |
| Best_for | Consult questions, thresholds, safety-netting, and UK-guideline decision points. | Regular, structured CPD and keeping up to date across primary care topics. |
In-Depth Analysis
Overview
This is a “planned learning vs point-of-care” comparison:
- Red Whale (GP Update) is a highly regarded planned CPD product: structured education that keeps you up to date.
- iatroX is just-in-time consult support: fast Q&A grounded in UK guidance (NICE/CKS/BNF), plus scenario reasoning and exam prep.
Quick take
- Choose Red Whale if you want a structured CPD programme with high-quality curated teaching.
- Choose iatroX if you want rapid, guideline-grounded answers during real clinical work.
Why this difference matters
Clinical safety often depends on decisions made under time pressure. Planned learning improves baseline competence; just-in-time tools reduce friction at the exact moment of decision.
Many clinicians benefit from:
- planned CPD (e.g., Red Whale) plus
- consult-time decision support (iatroX).
Pricing
- iatroX: Free for individuals.
- Red Whale: Paid subscriptions/memberships (e.g., Red Whale Unlimited publishes monthly and annual options).
Public information last reviewed: 17 Dec 2025.
Use-Cases
During a busy GP clinic
When to choose iatroX
- Ask quick questions and iterate until you have a clear plan aligned to UK guidance (NICE/CKS/BNF).
When to choose Red Whale (GP Update)
- Course content is valuable but typically not optimised for ultra-rapid consult-time Q&A.
Building a robust CPD plan
When to choose iatroX
- Useful for reinforcing learning in the moment, but not a replacement for structured course-based CPD.
When to choose Red Whale (GP Update)
- Excellent for planned learning, systematic updates, and consistent CPD habits.
Turning ‘unknown unknowns’ into learning
When to choose iatroX
- Use Brainstorm to explore a case, then use Quiz to consolidate learning immediately.
When to choose Red Whale (GP Update)
- Use courses to deep-dive and consolidate over time in a structured way.
FAQs
- Is iatroX trying to replace GP Update / Red Whale?
- No. Red Whale is strong for structured CPD and planned learning. iatroX is designed for consult-time Q&A and guideline-grounded decision support. Many clinicians use both for different needs.
- Which is better for staying up to date long-term?
- A structured CPD programme like Red Whale can be excellent for sustained, systematic updates. iatroX is better for repeated, in-the-moment reinforcement of guidance during daily work.
- Which is better in a 10-minute consultation?
- iatroX is designed for speed and iteration during real clinical questions. Course-based resources are usually better used outside the consultation.