Training strategies for research investigators and technicians

Area of Science:

• Laboratory animal science
• Research ethics
• Veterinary medicine

Background:

• Effective animal care and use programs necessitate comprehensive training for research personnel.
• Legal responsibilities mandate qualified research staff, often leading institutions to establish dedicated training roles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline key components of effective training programs for research personnel involved in animal care and use.
• To emphasize the importance of aligning training with the needs of scientists and staff for relevance and practicality.

Main Methods:

• Involving scientific staff in analyzing learning needs to ensure program relevance.
• Incorporating non-animal models to teach humane handling techniques, aligning with the 3Rs.
• Collecting training metrics and documentation for regulatory compliance and program justification.

Main Results:

• Involving end-users in needs analysis leads to more practical and timely training.
• Principal investigator support fosters a culture that values training and humane animal use.
• Non-animal models effectively teach humane techniques, contributing to the 3Rs.

Conclusions:

• Training programs are essential for ensuring qualified research personnel and promoting humane animal use.
• A culture of continuous learning, supported by leadership and incorporating alternative methods, enhances research quality and compliance.
• Metrics and documentation are vital for program justification, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement.