The 2022 edition of the NOAH Compendium book will be the last full edition of the hard copy produced, says NOAH. The free-to-access NOAH Compendium website and app will continue to provide up to date information. This decision follows extensive feedback from Compendium users earlier this year and is part of NOAH’s environmental commitment.
Dawn Howard, NOAH chief executive, 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 said: “We 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.
“We were particularly pleased with the extent of awareness and use of our digital formats, which of course provide the most up to date information. Out of the 677 survey responses, 86 percent were aware of the website and 45 percent were aware of the app – and we are confident their use will continue to grow. The app was particularly popular with the 26 – 35 age group, with well over two thirds (71 percent) accessing it weekly.
“It is written into our NOAH Code of Practice that Compendium participants must include any changes to an SPC in their entry on the NOAH online Compendium within 30 days of its approval by the regulatory authority – these go live on the website as soon as they are made and of course the app, which is available offline, will update daily as soon as users connect to data.
“We have become increasingly aware of the disparity between the book published data which is of course only published annually and that online, and how important it is that the most up to date information is used. With that, coupled with our review of NOAH’s own sustainable footprint and the impact of producing and distributing 6000 copies of a publication of over 2,000 pages (even using FSC paper) has led us to the decision that this year’s book will be our last. We know some people will be disappointed, as the book has been our familiar “go to” over the years, but we really believe this to be the right decision as we have confidence that our online formats can provide the easy access and importantly, the accurate prescribing information that’s needed.
“The NOAH Compendium website and app provides the latest information on the 1000 plus animal medicines in the Compendium, easily, on phones and tablets. 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. This provides prescribers and users of animal medicines with the latest information, supporting accurate prescribing decisions and responsible use.
“We are pleased to have seen an increase in use of the website and app in the past year – with two 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 per month. Since its release in 2017 so far around 18,500 people have downloaded it, including well over 5,500 this year alone.
“In the coming year, we will be working even harder to improve the user experience for the Compendium app and website and we welcome any comments on what would make these resources even more valuable.”
“We thank prescribers and users of animal medicines for their support on this decision and look forward to continuing to provide our go-to Compendium resource,” Dawn added.
