Ethics of Research involving animals
Applying Reduction and Refinement to research strategies
12.2 Animals will suffer needlessly if they are used in research where scientific methodology is poor. In such cases, research does not achieve its scientific objectives, and fails to generate significant knowledge. It is for this reason that the application of the Three Rs should begin with a careful assessment of the initial experimental design and be continued throughout the duration of each and every research project. This process requires a number of basic questions to be addressed at a very early stage. For example, is the chosen animal model sufficiently relevant to the scientific question being asked or health problem under study?
Is there a genuine scientific basis for using a particular animal model? Could the scientific question itself be refined? Could the scientific objective of the work be modified to avoid the use of an animal model? The following three general approaches are relevant to the successful implementation of Reduction and Refinement at this stage of research.
- Background research: it is essential that a thorough search of the published literature is undertaken to ensure that the proposed experiments have not already been undertaken and the objectives of the research have not already been met by previous well-conducted experiments. Part of this survey of the literature should be an assessment of the validity of the conclusions of previous studies. New experiments should not be based on unsound conclusions drawn from poorly designed experiments.
- A staged approach: before embarking on large or complex experiments the project should be broken down into a series of pilot experiments, with defined decision points that inform the transition from one stage to another. A small pilot experiment on animals or in vitro research can be very useful in guiding the design of subsequent, larger experiments. For example, an initial pilot study might help define experimental parameters early on, so that fewer animals could be used later. It might also be possible to refine experiments so that suffering and the number of animals used is reduced by carrying out pilot experiments on anaesthetised animals that are not allowed to recover.
- Teamwork and resources: the successful completion of an experiment depends on many factors, including the skills and performance of the staff involved, and the availability of suitable equipment and facilities. Optimal experimental design and successful application of the Three Rs requires a multidisciplinary approach with contributions from biomedical scientists and animal care staff, statisticians, information scientists and other specialists such as biochemists, geneticists and clinicians. Lack of adequate staff training and expertise and the use of unreliable equipment can lead to failed projects and the fruitless use of animals.
‘We are not, however, persuaded that enough effort is always made to avoid the use of animals. We are similarly not persuaded that where this is possible, sufficient effort is always made to minimise the number of animals used, and to minimise the pain and suffering inflicted on each animal.’2 We consider next ways in which the application of Refinement and Reduction can be improved.