SIGN Guidelines vs HealthPathways (2025): The Evidence vs The Local Route

Last reviewed: 2025-12-19 · Reviewed by

Try iatroX

At a Glance

Who is it for?

SIGN Guidelines:All Clinicians

HealthPathways:Primary Care

Why choose SIGN Guidelines?

  • **The 'What'**: Defines the gold standard treatment.
  • **Evidence**: Explains the trial data behind the decision.
  • **Stable**: Updates every few years.

Why choose HealthPathways?

  • **The 'How'**: Tells you how to access that treatment locally.
  • **Dynamic**: Updates whenever a clinic moves or changes phone number.
  • **Practical**: Links to the SCI Gateway referral forms.

Feature Comparison

CapabilitySIGN GuidelinesHealthPathways
FocusMedical ScienceHealth Service Delivery
UserStudent / ExpertReferrer

In-Depth Analysis

Overview

SIGN sets the standard. HealthPathways operationalises it. In regions of Scotland using HealthPathways, the pathway will often simply link to the SIGN guideline for the clinical bit, and then list the local phone numbers for the practical bit.

Looking for a faster way?

While SIGN Guidelines and HealthPathways are powerful tools, iatroX offers a free, AI-driven alternative focused specifically on rapid UK guideline retrieval and exam prep.

Try iatroX Free

Use-Cases

Learning about Asthma

When to choose SIGN Guidelines

  • **Winner.**

When to choose HealthPathways

  • Fragmented.

Sending a Patient to Chest Clinic

When to choose SIGN Guidelines

  • N/A

When to choose HealthPathways

  • **Winner.** Essential for the referral.