UpToDate vs iatroX (2025): Global Specialist Content vs. UK Guideline AI
At a Glance
Who is it for?
iatroX:UK Clinicians & Students (especially Primary Care)
UpToDate:Global Specialists, Researchers & Institutions
Why choose iatroX?
- **Completely free**
- **UK-centric by design** (NICE, CKS, BNF)
- Governed as a **UKCA-marked medical device**
- Natural language Q&A and case 'Brainstorm'
- Integrated 'Quiz' for UK exams
Why choose UpToDate?
- **Unmatched specialist-level depth** across 25+ specialties
- The global 'gold standard' for evidence synthesis
- Includes drug information (Lexicomp) and patient handouts
- Widely available via institutional subscriptions
Feature Comparison
| Capability | iatroX | UpToDate |
|---|---|---|
| Price | **Free** | Paid Subscription (Individual or Institutional) |
| Geographic Focus | **UK-centric** | **US-centric** / Global |
| Core Function | AI-Assisted Guideline Q&A | Encyclopedic Evidence Library |
| Governance | **UKCA-marked Class I Medical Device** | N/A (Publisher, US-based) |
| Learning Tools | Integrated Quiz & CPD Logger | CME/CPD tracking for reading articles |
In-Depth Analysis
Overview
UpToDate is a premium, subscription-based clinical evidence library, widely regarded as a global standard, particularly in secondary care and for specialist-level queries. It is known for its incredible depth and comprehensive, physician-authored topic reviews.
iatroX is a free, AI-powered assistant built specifically for the UK healthcare system. Its primary function is not to be an encyclopedia, but to provide fast, cited answers from UK national guidelines (NICE, CKS, BNF), and integrate this with learning tools like quizzes and case brainstorming.
When To Use Each
- Use UpToDate when: You have an institutional subscription, need a deep, specialist-level dive into a complex topic, or are looking for global/US-based evidence.
- Use iatroX when: You are a UK-based clinician or student, need a fast answer aligned with NICE guidelines, are practicing for UK exams, or want a free tool on your personal device.
In-Depth Comparison: The "UK vs. Global" Divide
This is the most critical difference for a UK-based clinician.
- iatroX is UK-centric. Asking about hypertension management will always return answers based on NICE NG136.
- UpToDate is US-centric. Its primary recommendations for hypertension will follow ACC/AHA guidelines, which differ significantly from UK practice in terms of thresholds and first-line agents.
In-Depth Comparison: Workflow & Governance
UpToDate is a vast digital library. You search for a topic (e.g., "Community-acquired pneumonia in adults") and read a long, detailed article.
iatroX is an interactive AI. You ask a specific question (e.g., "What is the CRB-65 score and how does it guide management?") and get a direct, synthesized answer with citations.
Critically, iatroX is a UKCA-marked Class I Medical Device, governed for safety in the UK. UpToDate is a US-based information publisher.
Public information as of 4 Nov 2025. Trademarks belong to their owners.
Use-Cases
UK GP Consult
When to choose iatroX
- **Recommended.** 'First-line for CAP per NICE?'
When to choose UpToDate
- **Use with caution.** 'CAP treatment' will likely show US (IDSA/ATS) guidance.
Complex Specialist Query
When to choose iatroX
- Provides UK guideline summary.
When to choose UpToDate
- **Recommended.** Provides deep specialist-level review of rare conditions.
UKMLA Exam Prep
When to choose iatroX
- **Recommended.** 'Quiz' is UK-guideline based.
When to choose UpToDate
- **Use with caution.** Content is not aligned with UK guidelines or exams.
FAQs
- Is iatroX free?
- Yes, iatroX and all its features (Ask, Brainstorm, Quiz, CPD) are completely free.
- Is UpToDate free?
- No, UpToDate is a premium subscription service, though many NHS Trusts and hospitals provide an institutional login for their staff.
- Is UpToDate suitable for UK exam revision (e.g., UKMLA, MRCGP)?
- No. UpToDate's content is primarily US-centric and is not aligned with the NICE guidelines that form the basis of UK national exams.