Assessing the satisfaction and burden within an academic animal care and use program

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Biomedical Research Administration

Background:

• Animal research is governed by regulations, but compliance methods and constraints vary by institution.
• Increased regulatory expectations can strain research resources, raising concerns about institutional burdens.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify burdensome Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) processes.
• To assess staff satisfaction with IACUC administration and animal resource units.
• To evaluate the perceived value of modifying IACUC processes.

Main Methods:

• Survey of faculty, research staff, and support staff involved in animal research.
• Assessment of satisfaction with IACUC administrative office and animal resource unit.
• Evaluation of perceived burden and value of potential modifications to IACUC processes.

Main Results:

• Overwhelming satisfaction with the IACUC administrative office and animal resource unit was reported.
• Several specific IACUC processes were identified as burdensome by survey respondents.
• Different staff groups within the animal care and use program (ACUP) had varied responses regarding process modifications.

Conclusions:

• Modifying identified burdensome IACUC processes holds potential value for research staff.
• Minimizing unnecessary regulatory burden in ACUP is crucial for efficient resource use in biomedical research.
• Addressing staff-identified burdens can optimize animal welfare and research quality amidst budget constraints.