PAM Coordinator UConn Health Farmington, Connecticut
Background: : Everyone faces challenges promoting compliance. Some consider the IACUC to be “police” and have an “us” vs. “them” attitude. We looked to change this perception - creating a collaborative relationship between researchers and the IACUC. We championed compliance as a collective responsibility, enhancing trust and understanding within the research community.
Program
Description: : We aimed to transform the subject of compliance into an engaging experience by first launching “QuickTakes”, short videos featuring researchers in fun, informative skits to address key policies and procedures. These lively single-topic videos were a big hit on our website, sparking interest and discussion. To further enhance research personnel participation, we initiated “LunchTime Learning” events, creating a relaxed atmosphere for sharing knowledge while emphasizing animal welfare. Together, these made compliance information enjoyable and impactful. This success sparked our “Lab Family Feud” where two labs clashed in a fun quiz on animal research. We plan to hold a “Jeopardy” game featuring our IO, AV, Chair, and a Senior Research Dean as host. We started creating “compliance posters” distributing them throughout the animal facility; we also sponsor contests for new compliance slogans and poster designs. We used event attendance, research community feedback, and a reduction in non-compliance as our assessment tools.
Program
Assessment: : Our primary assessment tool was attendance. Our first “LunchTime Learning” event had 23 in attendance. Our next event, attendance grew to 50 people. Our first game event had an audience of over 50. We’ve received numerous requests for the IACUC to evaluate researchers’ protocol activities to reduce non-compliance. The shift in perception towards the IACUC office is encouraging. The positive feedback highlights a newfound appreciation for compliance, transforming it from a daunting task into an engaging experience. Comments like “This was awesome!” and “You found a way to make compliance fun!” reflect a successful effort to demystify compliance requirements and processes, fostering collaboration and enthusiasm among researchers eager to participate in future sessions. Feedback from researchers remains our guiding star for improvement and innovation. Our outreach resulted in a reduction in non-compliance issues, suggesting enhanced adherence to protocols. An increase of researchers approaching the IACUC with concerns indicates growing understanding and proactive engagement. These shifts demonstrate improved communication, trust, and awareness that foster a more compliant research environment thus ensuring highest ethical standards are upheld.
Limitations:: Our outreach program faces significant challenges due to budget and time constraints as well as limited personnel. The interactive games, though successful, require meticulous planning and coordination. Securing the appropriate space for the events was difficult with room availability issues, especially during the lunch hour when we aimed to offer at least desserts to attendees. Without the support of our IACUC and our Institutional Official, these initiatives would not have been possible to implement effectively.
Discussion: : Our outreach program provides an engaging way to connect with the research community served by our IACUC. Our Institutional Official’s dedication to exceptional customer service enables us to enhance these relationships creatively by thinking “outside the box”. A strong culture of compliance is vital for any animal care and use program, and personal connections are key to fostering this culture. We aim to create new events that promote ongoing dialogue. Find out what would engage our community and implement slowly. Any institution can harness imagination to make a meaningful impact and foster lasting and trusting relationships with those we serve.
