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Training the trainee: the institution's responsibility to the often forgotten
Joseph N Benoit1, Kathryn Bayne
1The University of North Dakota Graduate School, Grand Forks, ND 58202, USA.
Lab Animal
|June 1, 2005
Summary
Animal care and use training is often overlooked for non-university employees. This study highlights a common gap in oversight and proposes solutions for comprehensive animal research training programs.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Laboratory Animal Science
- Research Ethics
Background:
- Regulatory oversight and training requirements for animal care and use are critical for ethical research.
- A significant gap exists in the training of individuals working with animals who are not direct university employees.
- This oversight can lead to non-compliance and compromised animal welfare.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and address the oversight of animal care and use training for non-employee trainees.
- To highlight the common challenges universities face in providing comprehensive training.
- To propose actionable strategies for closing the training gap.
Main Methods:
- Review of current regulatory frameworks and institutional policies.
- Analysis of common university structures and trainee populations.
- Identification of potential gaps in training coverage.
Main Results:
- Non-employee trainees (e.g., contractors, visiting scientists) often fall outside standard training protocols.
- Existing oversight mechanisms may not capture all individuals interacting with animals.
- A lack of standardized training can pose risks to animal welfare and research integrity.
Conclusions:
- Universities must develop inclusive training strategies that encompass all personnel working with animals, regardless of employment status.
- Enhanced communication and collaboration between institutions and external partners are necessary.
- Implementing robust, adaptable training programs is essential for ensuring compliance and ethical animal research.