The principles of good laboratory practices in biotechnology: multicriteria decision aid (MCDA) as an innovative model for transferring knowledge

Abstract

The biotechnology policy encourages the creation of networks of institutions that carry out bioassays and preclinical studies and stimulate the implementation of principles of good laboratory practice (GLP). However, it becomes essential for trained and qualified professionals to understand, develop procedures and documents, and properly implement quality management requirements to implement a laboratory quality system. The use of tools such as multicriteria decision aid (MCDA) can assist in managing and implementing the quality system in institutions and laboratories. This research aimed to demonstrate the perception of the degree of difficulty in understanding GLP principles perceived by the respondents and analyzed through the MCDA model. According to the MCDA method, a survey was carried out with 27 professionals from laboratories who answered a questionnaire with a numerical scale of very difficult, difficult, regular, neutral, and easy for each GLP requirement. Results evidenced the GLP criteria that require a smaller and greater effort to be understood and allowed the identification of efforts level to increase each GLP criteria's level of understanding. The MCDA confirms to be a robust tool to identify and validate the participants' perception of GLP criteria, considering the diversity of professionals and their different qualifications, enabling the construction of training content that considers the difficulty levels of each criterion. This strategy helps in the management of the laboratory and the dissemination of knowledge of GLP principles to biotechnology professionals, academics, and students.