The 'Triad of Noncompliance' as a tool for understanding, preventing and correcting protocol and procedural noncompliance

Abstract

Noncompliance at research institutions can take many forms, including off-protocol use of animals and failure to follow institutional requirements such as wearing personal protective equipment. Working with investigators to achieve full compliance after protocol approval is a key responsibility of laboratory veterinary staff, compliance personnel and the ACUC. The author discusses three main factors that lead to most noncompliance incidents: (i) Lack of Information, (ii) Desperation and (iii) Disregard. Understanding these three concepts, collectively termed 'The Triad of Noncompliance', can provide insight into the source of protocol or procedural noncompliance and can assist ACUC members and veterinary staff in formulating specific strategies to prevent and correct such problems.