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An Introduction to Novel Tools for Scoping and Problem Formulation to Further Translational Science
Citation:
Bierwagen, B. AND S. Hagerthey. An Introduction to Novel Tools for Scoping and Problem Formulation to Further Translational Science. Society for Freshwater Science, Salt Lake City, UT, May 19 - 23, 2019.
Impact/Purpose:
This presentation will be the introductory discussion to a special session on novel tools to use in scoping and problem formulation.
Description:
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 clarifies needs and formulates expectations. Novel applications of tools facilitate this process. For example, conceptual models are 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 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.