Research Policy with Animals

The Critical Patient Journal (RDC) demands that all research involving animals be conducted in accordance with the highest ethical, legal and scientific standards, ensuring respect for animal welfare and the principle of responsible use of animal models in research.

The authors are responsible for ensuring that the studies were carried out in accordance with the applicable legislation in the country where the research was carried out and in compliance with international recommendations for animal research, including the ARRIVE Guidelines (Animal Research: Reporting of In Vivo Experiments).

 

⮚      Ethical Approval

Manuscripts describing research involving animals should indicate, where applicable:

●        The name of the ethics committee or competent entity that approved the study;

●        The number, reference or code of ethical approval;

●        The date of approval obtained.

When the applicable legislation does not require formal ethical approval, authors must present a reasoned justification, which may be subject to assessment by the Editorial Team.

The RDC may request documentation proving ethical approval or any other elements deemed necessary to verify compliance with the applicable ethical requirements.

 

⮚      Animal Welfare

Authors must demonstrate that all appropriate measures have been taken to minimise the suffering, pain and discomfort of the animals used in the research, respecting the principles of the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction and Refinement):

●        Replacement – substitution of the use of animals where alternative methods are available

●        Reduction – use of the smallest number of animals necessary to achieve the scientific objectives of the study;

●        Refinement – adoption of procedures that reduce pain, suffering and impact on animal welfare.

 

⮚      Investigation Report

Manuscripts must clearly and transparently describe the experimental procedures performed, the housing and management conditions of the animals, the methods used to minimize suffering and any other relevant information to ensure the reproducibility and ethical evaluation of the study.

Whenever applicable, authors must follow the ARRIVE Guidelines in the preparation and presentation of manuscripts.