The Bottom Line
- UpToDate: depth and nuance; BMJ Best Practice: structured speed; NICE/CKS: UK pathway wording and defensibility.
- Your intent should choose your tool — not habit.
- Switch tools only on a defined trigger to avoid wasting time.
If you default to one tool for every question, you’re either going too slow or sacrificing local alignment. The fastest clinicians use a simple decision tree: pick the tool that matches the question type, then stop.
1
Decision 1 — Do you need speed now?
If yes, use a structured point-of-care tool to orient quickly. If no, you can afford deeper reading.
2
Decision 2 — Do you need UK pathway wording?
If yes, ensure your final output aligns with UK style and local pathways. If no, focus on evidence depth.
3
Decision 3 — Are you stuck after 60–90 seconds?
If yes, change your query or switch tools — don’t keep scrolling.
Practice
Test your knowledge
Apply this concept immediately with a high-yield question block from the iatroX Q-Bank.
SourceWolters Kluwer: UpToDate overview
Open Link SourceBMJ: BMJ Best Practice overview
Open Link