NOAH recently commissioned an
independent survey of users who work in veterinary practices to understand
their usage and attitudes in relation to each of the formats, to help ensure
that NOAH provides the Compendium information in a way that meets their needs.
Out of the 677 survey responses, 96 percent of users were aware of the book, 86 percent were
aware of the website and 45 percent were aware of the app, which is available to
download free of charge from Google Play or the App Store. The app was
particularly popular with the 26 – 35 age group, with well over two thirds
(71 percent) accessing it weekly.
Dawn Howard, Chief
Executive of NOAH explained how the digital resources provide the most
up-to-date information, with the app providing an easy access, information
source that is also available offline. She explained: “The NOAH Compendium App
has daily updating, giving the latest information on 1000+ animal medicines.
The app also includes the ability to scan datamatrix barcodes on veterinary
medicinal product packaging, leading straight to product information, as well
as to search by medication, manufacturer or GTIN.”
She said: “We know the familiar book format is a welcome
information source for vets in practice and other prescribers and users of
animal medicines, but the digital formats are the more up-to-date sources of
prescribing information. With the app giving easy off-line access, users are
not reliant on internet access when they are out and about to obtain the
up-to-date information they need to make accurate prescribing decisions – all
they need to do is allow their phone or tablet to connect to data each day and
the app will update automatically.
“We are pleased to have seen an increase in use of the
website and app in the past year – with 2 million visits to the Compendium
website, representing an increase of 29 percent, from nearly 80,0000 users. At the
same time app usage increased by 45 percent and now averages 45,000 users/month. Since
its release in 2017 so far a staggering 18,451 people have downloaded this
valuable technical resource, including 5,537 this year alone. The reviews speak
for themselves, many people agree that the app is great and the search function
makes life easier”.
Dawn added: “As an organisation, we will continue to
embrace new technologies to support responsible animal medicine prescribing and
use in the UK, as well as working to reduce our environmental footprint in
relation to the provision of our resource. Having the Compendium information
available digitally means all those who prescribe or use animal medicines can
have access to the latest data sheet information however they want it, whenever
and wherever they need it. We believe the Compendium app is the rising star of
our resource options and invite Compendium users to try it and give us their
feedback,” Dawn concluded.
