Evaluating IACUCs: Previous Research and Future Directions

Abstract

IACUCs serve a critical role in animal care and use programs, ensuring that institutions which use animals in research andteaching do so responsibly and humanely. This role is defined in part by federal regulations, policies, and guidelines thatprescribe the establishment and function of these committees. Often, IACUC administrators are expected to evaluate IACUCperformance to ensure that committees execute these functions effectively, and in a manner that is suitable to the institution.However, methods for IACUC performance evaluation have not been well described in the peer-reviewed literature. To addressthis deficit, we conducted a systematic review using MEDLINE to identify methods that have been used to assess IACUCs.The scope of this review was intentionally broad to capture evaluation methods used by other institutional committees withsimilar responsibilities in overseeing research conduct, including animal ethics committees (AECs), institutional biosafety committees (IBCs), and institutional review boards (IRBs). Over 100 publications that included empirical evaluation methods were identified, although only 17 evaluated IACUCs in the United States. A substantial number of the studies used qualitative methods, such as surveys or questionnaires, interviews, and observations. The IACUC functions and characteristics most often assessed in the 17 publications included components of the protocol review processes and committee membership. We compiled this information to offer IACUC administrators a source of methodologies that can be incorporated into quality improvement and IACUC performance evaluation efforts. We also suggest ways in which organizations may evaluate IACUCs using methods described in the literature for other types of committees.

Influence of animal pain and distress on judgments of animal research justifiability among university undergraduate students and faculty

“…There appears to be little systematic research on how IACUCs actually exercise this discretion [ 49 ], and the existing research is conflicting. In 1989, Dresser found evidence that committees “had a strong commitment to reducing laboratory animal pain and distress” but also that “evaluating the justification for animal use remains problematic for committees” [ 48 ].…”

Ethical Principles and Rules in Experimental Animal Studies: A Comprehensive Review

“…Although animals are unable to give informed permission in the same manner as people, ethical concerns surrounding their well-being and care remain of utmost importance. Researchers adhere to ethical principles and animal welfare guidelines to ensure that animals participate in experiments willingly, with the least intrusion, and with the greatest regard for their wellbeing, rather than seeking express agreement from them (45). This approach is based on the acknowledgment of animals who are entitled to ethical consideration and safeguarding against avoidable harm.…”

“…These principles aim to reduce harm and enhance animal welfare. Ethical committees have a vital function in evaluating research procedures, evaluating the scientific and ethical reasons for animal use, and ensuring that studies are carried out in compliance with applicable laws and guidelines (44,45). Scientists utilize many methodologies to ensure the well-being of animals and reduce any potential harm throughout the process of conducting experiments.…”

A survey of the impact of COVID-19 on the management of animal experiments and laboratory animal facilities in Korea

“…Institutions that use animals in research and teaching operate under an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) that is tasked to promote animal welfare standards and to ensure compliance with applicable governmental regulations, policies, and guidelines. IACUCs serve a critical role in animal care and use programs, ensuring that institutions which use animals in research and teaching do so responsibly and humanely [3].…”

“…Institutions that use animals in research and teaching operate under an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) that is tasked to promote animal welfare standards and to ensure compliance with applicable governmental regulations, policies, and guidelines. IACUCs serve a critical role in animal care and use programs, ensuring that institutions which use animals in research and teaching do so responsibly and humanely [ 3 ]. In the United States, IACUCs are typically assigned at least 4 core functions: inspecting animal facilities and animal use areas; reviewing the institution’s program for animal care and use; investigating concerns involving the care and use of animals; and reviewing animal protocols [ 4 ].…”