A qualitative study of the barriers to using blinding in in vivo experiments and suggestions for improvement

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001873
• Publication Date: 2022-11-17T19:17:04Z
• Authors: Natasha A. Karp; Esther J. Pearl; Emma J. Stringer; Chris Barkus; Jane Coates Ulric...; Nathalie Percie d...
• Keywords: Blinding

In animal experiments, blinding (also known as masking) is a methodological strategy to reduce the risk that scientists, care staff, or other staff involved in research may consciously subconsciously influence outcome. Lack of masking has been shown correlate with an overestimation treatment efficacy and false positive findings. We conducted exploratory interviews across academic commercial setting discuss implementation at four stages experiment: during allocation intervention, conduct experiment, outcome assessment, data analysis. The objective was explore awareness, engagement, perceptions, barriers implementing experiments. multiple interviews, 30 different found examples excellent practice but also areas where rarely implemented. Significant arose from operational informatic systems These have prioritised management welfare without considering how allow researchers use their For some there conflict between for individual versus delivering robust experiment all animals are treated same manner. identified challenges related level knowledge on purpose work culture. exploration these issues provides insight into we, community, can identify most significant given environment. Here, we offer practical solutions enable implement standard. To move forward, need both scientists embrace facility managers institutes engage provide framework supports scientists.