Ethical review is an ongoing process that goes further than the assessment of a scientific project before it is authorised. The local ethical review process (ERP) in the UK is therefore also responsible for:
undertaking retrospective project reviews and continuing to apply the 3Rs to all projects throughout their duration.
This enables the ERP to:
- determine whether the actual harms and benefits are in line with those anticipated, and ensure information and experience gained during the course of the review period is used to inform future assessments
- identify, build on, enhance and promulgate good practice and improvements in animal welfare and the scientific approach during the course of a project
- help with project management, for example by identifying any future requirements such as training needs or equipment, and by providing a forum for discussion of issues of concern.
Two documents that help to explain the aims, objectives and process of retrospective review, and provide a series of points to raise are available:
- Guidance notes on retrospective review (2004) (PDF 65KB) Laboratory Animal Science Association: Ethics and Training Working Group
- The value of looking back: improving science and welfare through retrospective review (2007) (PDF 24KB) Laboratory Animal Science Association: Education, Training and Ethics Section