Streamline the reporting and treatment for equine sarcoids

However, the referral process was slowing clinical decision-making. Vets working in the field would often need to return to their office before submitting full case notes online. This introduced delays of several days between identifying a potential cancer case and submitting it for specialist review. For time-sensitive diagnoses, this lag had a direct impact on treatment timelines.

EMS recognised the need to bring the referral process into the stable — enabling vets to capture and submit cases in real time.

The core challenge was reducing friction in the referral journey.

Previously, vets would assess a horse on site, take notes and photos, then return to their practice to log into EMS systems and submit the referral. This delay not only slowed diagnosis but also created additional admin work and the risk of incomplete information.

EMS needed a secure, mobile-first solution that would allow vets to submit high-quality referrals immediately from the field. The system also needed to integrate with their existing database, maintain a clear audit trail of cases, and support payment processing across devices.

At the same time, the platform had to be intuitive enough for busy practitioners, often working in outdoor environments with variable signal strength.

We designed and delivered a React Native mobile application integrated directly with EMS’s desktop portal and database infrastructure.

The app enables vets to capture clinical images onsite, add notes, and submit referral cases within minutes. A dynamic case management system allows multiple cases to be created and tracked, with follow-ups accessible from within the app.

Integration with the EMS database ensures that medical histories are accessible and structured. The system supports real-time data synchronisation across devices, enabling seamless movement between mobile and desktop workflows.

We also implemented an integrated payment system, allowing transactions to be completed directly within the app, removing administrative steps from the referral process.

The platform was developed and delivered within four months, followed by testing and launch.

Before the app, referrals could take days to submit. Vets were reliant on returning to their office, logging into a web system, and manually inputting case details.

With the mobile app in place, referrals can now be completed in as little as 15 minutes while still onsite. Images and notes are captured at the point of care, improving case quality and reducing duplication.

Specialist advice is typically provided by the next working day, allowing treatment to begin much sooner. The app also provides vets with a clearer overview of their submitted cases and medical history, strengthening continuity of care.

For EMS, the platform has modernised their service delivery model, enabling international scalability while maintaining clinical rigour.

Following the success of the initial release, EMS plans to expand functionality further, including offline case submission for environments with limited signal coverage. Enhancements will continue to focus on improving clinical workflow, data accessibility, and international scalability.

By bringing specialist referrals directly into the field, EMS has strengthened both clinical efficiency and equine welfare outcomes.