Training actions for the competence of professionals and technicians in experimentation with laboratory animals

Background: a project was developed for the continuous improvement of the human resources of the Experimental Toxicology Unit, whose main task was the design of training actions for the Work competence with laboratory animals in biomedical research, in correspondence with the need for training of professionals and technicians in animal experimentation. Objective: to implement training actions on experimentation with laboratory animals to increase the competence in biomedical research of professionals and technicians of the Experimental Toxicology Unit. Methods: a development research with a qualitative approach was carried out in the Experimental Toxicology Unit of Villa Clara University of Medical Sciences, from May 2016 to December 2018. Theoretical methods were used for the foundation of the research and empirical ones: documentary review, questionnaire survey and interview. A nominal group designed the training actions, which were valued by experts. Results: in the diagnostic stage the learning needs of professionals and technicians were identified. Structured training actions were designed in eight courses, a training, a virtual and a diploma course. Conclusions: the actions were evaluated by experts as useful, relevant and feasible to be applied and they were implemented in an orderly manner with positive results. The diploma course and the preparation of manuals as teaching support were considered innovative.