Training and teaching resources to underpin implementation of refinement of in-vivo studies

Over the last decade there has been a substantial increase in our understanding of the factors that can cause pain and distress in laboratory animals. We also have new ways of recognising pain and distress, and have a better understanding of how we can prevent these during research procedures. In order for this new understanding to have a real impact by refining animal research so that it is conducted in the most humane way, we need to disseminate information to research workers as widely as possible and in the most easily accessible way.

The provision of training to all those involved in animal research is a key requirement in the new European Directive that controls animal research (2010/63/EU). This provides an excellent opportunity to incorporate "best practice" into the training of research workers throughout Europe. It is equally important that more advanced training is provided to those who need it, and that effective training materials (e.g. video demonstrations of procedures) are made available. Providing high quality educational materials is time-consuming, and so is often beyond the scope of individual institutions. This project will develop new training materials and new means of delivering them to individuals involved in research with laboratory animals. We will expand and update our current internet-based-training materials, and create new material for delivery both 'on-line', and as downloadable resources that can be incorporated into training courses run by individual research facilities. We will also develop tutorials on the new web site and will provide seminars on-line ('webinars').

A strong evidence base for best practice in refinement has been developing over the last decade. However, effective dissemination and implementation of this information is difficult to achieve. This project will develop the infrastructure to underpin effective initial and continued training of individuals involved in animal-based research. We will build on the success of our current web-based materials and significantly expand this resource and provide a single internet portal to access training materials and other relevant information.

We will:

a) Update these existing resources to reflect current best practice and to incorporate new data from the peer-reviewed literature.
b) Extend the delivery system to incorporate e-learning modules.
c) Incorporate the resources into training materials provided on UK Home Office training modules, and elsewhere and integrate the new material into our specialist training courses in anaesthesia and pain and distress
d) Provide a new (webinar-based) method of delivery of these courses.

Training resources will be provided in two specific areas; the assessment and alleviation of pain and distress, and anaesthesia and perioperative care. We will also integrate the existing NC3Rs blood sampling microsite into the new website architecture. The combination of web-based information and e-learning tutorials, downloadable content for trainers, incorporation of support material for UK Home Office modular courses, and delivery via webinars and in "conventional" seminars and workshops will provide more effective dissemination of best practice in these areas. This will assist in the rapid introduction of refinements into many areas of research, and provide a framework for longer-term development of educational and training resources in laboratory animal science.

All those undertaking research involving the use of live animals will benefit directly from this project. They will have easy access to tutorials and other resources that will assist them in developing the knowledge and expertise that are required to conduct in vivo research humanely and effectively. It will enable those in support roles (e.g. animal technical and care staff) to be more effectively trained, so that they can provide more effective assistance with in-vivo projects. The outputs will also be of direct benefit to those providing training, as the material can readily be incorporated into their training courses to update them with the most recent information. These impacts will apply both to academic and commercial establishments. Although in the UK, application of the 3Rs is well established, this is not necessarily the case elsewhere. Provision of this resource will assist in the development of a culture of care in a wide range of establishments worldwide.

Those involved in regulating research, at global, EU, national and local levels, will find the output of this work highly valuable. It will provide a practical resource to aid implementation of training recommendations, provide a means of monitoring uptake of tutorials and will also be a resource for providing an update even for experienced staff, who have not undertaken a procedure for some time.

Since all the outputs will be freely available, the project will contribute to a better public understanding of science, and better inform them of the care that is taken to maximise the welfare of animals used in research in the UK. It will also demonstrate the unparalleled commitment of the UK biomedical research community to publicise best-practice in developing welfare refinements for research animals.

The impacts of the project will begin to be realised within 6 months of it commencing, and will steadily increase as more resources are disseminated. We then anticipate continued impact for as long as the information remains current. Plans for communicating the outputs have been discussed elsewhere (Communication Plan), we would emphasise that our current web resources each continue to attract 2000-3000 visitors per month (5,834 to ahwla.org.uk and www.procedureswithcare.org.uk in April, 2013). Impact also extends beyond the UK and the EU - "procedures with care" has been accessed by visitors from 126 countries since its launch in October 2010.