Studies Database

Hudson M and Fry D. Training for Reduction [abstract]. ALTEX. 2011;28(Special Issue):230. Abstract 603.

A recent survey has shown significant deficits in experimental design and reporting in studies published in quality biomedical journals across a range of disciplines (Kilkenny et al., 2009). The faults are so widespread that they would be expected to pervade those elements of regulatory work where guidelines do not stipulate a design. The FRAME Reduction Steering Committee is attempting to correct the inconsistencies. At a FRAME/LASA conference bringing together researchers and statisticians it was clear that a major problem was that even when statisticians were consulted their lack of appreciation of the biomedical questions and constraints made it difficult for them to advise on the best design. FRAME has brought together a group of teachers with both biomedical and statistical understanding to offer training for younger researchers that enables them to avoid the common errors, to appreciate how to select efficient designs, and to pose biomedical questions in a way that helps statisticians provide best advice. Several courses have now been run, which have attracted participants from across Europe and received excellent ratings. Pre- and post-tests confirm the enhancement in understanding achieved in only a few days. This understanding should have an impact in reducing animal numbers and waste of people's time and resources in the studies in which the attendees are involved and follow-up has indicated that this is the case.
Reference
Kilkenny, C., Parsons, N., Kadyszewski, E. et al. (2009). PLoS One 4, e7824.

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