An Introduction to Novel Tools for Scoping and Problem Formulation to Further Translational Science.
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The development of environmental assessments is a complex process, integrating and synthesizing scientific information from multiple sources across disciplines and scales to inform a decision. The initial phases involve scoping and problem formulation. While much of the focus of translational science has been on the conveyance of information to stakeholders and decision makers at the end of the process, translational science also has critical inputs at the beginning. Stakeholder involvement during scoping can help clarify needs and formulate expectations. Novel applications of tools can facilitate this process. For example, conceptual models can be used to frame and refine questions similar to PECO (Population, Exposure, Comparator, Outcome) statements in human health systematic reviews that help focus stakeholder discussions. Similarly, systematic maps of the literature can elucidate critical gaps. Current literature screening tools are geared towards human health issues, though categorization of the broader ecological literature could easily be accomplished. These tools can further scoping and problem formulation by integrating scientific information at the outset of an assessment to lead stakeholders through a transparent process.