Expert comment: The new FASS improves user experience

Fass (FASS) has, since 1966, been the central source of quality-assured pharmaceutical information in Sweden. 25 years ago, Fass went online for the first time. On November 8, the new Fass was launched, marking the most significant update and modernisation since its inception.

From book to digital platform
Founded in 1966 as a printed book for prescribers, Fass went online in 2001 and published its last edition in 2015. With over five million monthly users, Fass is a vital part of Swedish healthcare, serving both professionals and the public. Users can easily navigate between Healthcare, Patient, and Animal entrances. Fass collaborates with pharmacies, authorities, and regions, and its information is integrated directly into electronic health records and pharmacy systems. Since 2020, Fass is a National Medical Information System (NMI), approved and supervised by the Swedish MPA. NMIs must meet strict requirements, and the high standards have shaped the process with careful documentation.

Improvements based on user feedback  
The new Fass has been developed in close collaboration with users through extensive testing and dialogue with pharmacies, healthcare professionals, the pharma industry, veterinary care, and patients. Feedback has been crucial for shaping both design and functionality, with the goal of creating a familiar yet improved site.

Improvements include:

• Visuals: New look that still conveys the feel of a trusted source of information with the aim of making it even more accessible for patients and health care professionals.
• Enhanced search function: Faster and more accurate results.
• Responsiveness and mobile adaptation: Fass.se is now fully optimized for all screen sizes.
• Clearer navigation: Easier movement and guidance between the sections, along with explanatory texts that clarify concepts.
• A new technical platform: To support ongoing development and future needs.

For a technically future-proof Swedish compendium
Fass aims to future proof the Swedish compendium with this overhaul, which includes a more efficient platform, additional services, improved responsiveness, stronger performance and greater user-friendliness. It will be interesting to follow Fass’s journey, and we look forward to seeing the upcoming improvements in Fass Admin.