BMJ Best Practice vs NHS Pathways (2025): Clinical Decision Support vs Triage

Last reviewed: 2025-12-19 · Reviewed by

At a Glance

Who is it for?

BMJ Best Practice:Doctors / Students

NHS Pathways:111 / 999 Operators

Why choose BMJ Best Practice?

  • **Diagnosis**: Helps identify the condition.
  • **Treatment**: Provides detailed medical and surgical management.
  • **Education**: Used for learning and CPD.

Why choose NHS Pathways?

  • **Speed**: Reaches a safe disposition in minutes.
  • **Safety**: Heavily biased towards over-triage to prevent death.
  • **Protocol**: Mandatory adherence for call handlers.

Feature Comparison

CapabilityBMJ Best PracticeNHS Pathways
ComplexityHigh (Medical)Low (Binary)
OutcomeManagement PlanDispatch Decision

In-Depth Analysis

Overview

BMJ Best Practice is for treating patients. NHS Pathways is for sorting patients. A doctor using NHS Pathways would feel restricted; a call handler using BMJ Best Practice would be dangerous.

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Use-Cases

Junior Doctor on Ward

When to choose BMJ Best Practice

  • **Winner.** Essential for treatment plans.

When to choose NHS Pathways

  • N/A

111 Call Centre

When to choose BMJ Best Practice

  • Too complex and slow.

When to choose NHS Pathways

  • **Winner.** The required tool.