Ardens vs iatroX (2025): The Template vs The Assistant
At a Glance
Who is it for?
iatroX:GPs needing clinical answers and decision support.
Ardens:GPs/Nurses needing to record consultations and meet QOF targets.
Why choose iatroX?
- **Answers the Question**: 'What is the diagnostic criteria for CKD?'
- **Synthesizes Guidance**: Summarizes NICE NG203 instantly.
- **Educational**: Helps you understand *why* you are ticking the box.
- **Platform Independent**: Works on your phone, not locked to EMIS/SystmOne.
Why choose Ardens?
- **Data Entry**: The fastest way to code data into the notes.
- **Funding (QOF/IIF)**: Highlights exactly which boxes need ticking to get paid.
- **Referral Forms**: Auto-populates local hospital letters.
- **Embedded**: Lives inside the patient record.
Feature Comparison
| Capability | iatroX | Ardens |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Knowledge Retrieval (Output) | Data Recording (Input) |
| Guideline Type | National Clinical Guidelines (NICE) | Contractual/Local Guidelines (QOF/DES) |
In-Depth Analysis
Overview
If you work in UK General Practice, you likely use Ardens (or similar templates) every single day. It sits inside EMIS or SystmOne and guides your data entry. It is essential for business/contractual compliance—ensuring you tick the right boxes to get QOF points and funding.
iatroX sits alongside Ardens. It is for clinical compliance. You use iatroX to decide what to do, and Ardens to record that you have done it.
The Workflow
- iatroX: You ask, "Patient has raised ACR and hypertension, what is the target BP?" -> iatroX tells you "130/80 (NICE NG136)".
- Ardens: You open the Ardens "Hypertension" template and record "BP: 128/76" and code "Urine ACR: High".
Use-Cases
Managing a Diabetic
When to choose iatroX
- Ask: 'What is the second-line agent after Metformin if QRISK is >10%?' (Clinical Decision)
When to choose Ardens
- Open 'Diabetes Review' template -> Tick 'Foot Check' -> Code 'Hba1c'. (Admin/Recording)
New Diagnosis
When to choose iatroX
- 'How do I diagnose Heart Failure?' -> lists BNP/Echo pathway.
When to choose Ardens
- 'Heart Failure Template' -> Provides the boxes to record the BNP result.
FAQs
- Does iatroX integrate with EMIS/SystmOne?
- No. iatroX is a standalone web and mobile app designed to be used alongside your clinical system.
- Does Ardens provide clinical guidelines?
- Yes, Ardens templates often include snippets of guidance, but they are primarily designed for data entry and funding compliance rather than clinical Q&A.