Abstract:
The reporting of human randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was improved significantly by the introduction of the CONSORT (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials) statement in 1996 [1]. CONSORT also led to improvements in the overall quality of human RCTs, benefitting trial design, accounting of subjects, and rigour of data analysis [2],[3]. Whilst human RCTs and whole animal studies may have different objectives (e.g., defining mechanisms versus demonstrating clinical efficacy), the fundamental requirements for generating reliable and unbiased data are very similar, and thus standards of reporting should also be similar. The introduction of the ARRIVE (Animal Research: Reporting In Vivo Experiments) guidelines for conduct and scientific reporting of animal studies in 2010 [4] represented a major step forward in attempting to improve the quality of performing and reporting animal-based research in the same way that the CONSORT statement did for RCTs [1]. Here, we argue that whilst the ARRIVE guidelines are a major step forward, the standards of reporting animal experiments still lag behind those of RCTs. As a result, the validity of results from animal studies and their interpretation are frequently in question. We put forward a series of suggestions for modifying the ARRIVE guidelines to ensure that animal studies catch up. Widespread adoption of these guidelines should improve the overall quality of animal studies, thus improving their relevance to humans.