Studies Database

Leenaars M, Hooijmans C and Ritskes-Hoitinga M. Facilitate evidence based laboratory animal science by improving implementation of systematic reviews of animal experiments [abstract]. ALTEX. 2009;26(Special Issue):217. Abstract 185

Researchers who perform animal experiments should present evidence that all reasonably available relevant knowledge has been adequately reviewed and is taken into consideration. Literature is an important source of information. In a survey among scientists it was demonstrated that the skills in searching for 3R information are limited. We have therefore implemented specialised training on searching literature in the FELASA category C courses in Nijmegen and participate in Amsterdam. Our experience from this specialised training and also from personal interviews with researchers is that not only searching for 3R information is complex. Also skills to perform a systematic search in biomedical databases and formulation of the specific research question for the best (animal) model need improvement. Systematic reviews (SR) are generally regarded as the highest level of evidence within medicine and should also be applied in animal research to improve scientific quality and animal welfare. In contrast to human clinical trails, where SR are standard and often even a necessary part of funding applications, SR are a relatively new approach in laboratory animal science. Besides improving the quality of the research, SR can also prevent duplication and enhance translational research. Guidelines, however, to perform SR of animal experiments are not yet available. To facilitate evidence based laboratory animal science by using SR of animal experiments we educate researchers in the design of animal experiments, develop guidelines for SR of animal experiments, and give specialised training to improve literature search skills.

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