Scientific Information Management and Literature-Based Evaluations for the DTT - Support for Scoping & Systematic Review Activities of Disease States

Icf, Inc., Llc, Fairfax VA

Investigators

Abstract

Scoping reviews involve the summarization and categorization of literature prepared to rapidly map the key concepts, types of evidence, and data gaps related to a defined research area by systematically searching, selecting, and presenting existing knowledge. A scoping review can be undertaken as a standalone product or in support of decision-making and may involve varying degrees of synthesis of the existing knowledge. Systematic reviews then integrate the evidence generated from scoping via screening of relevant literature, scientific data extraction, study quality assessment, and data interpretation/evidence integration. Systematic review methodology and the OHAT Approach to Systematic Review and Evidence Integration also include the terms scoping and problem formulation as part of the decision-making and planning process for a systematic review. Scoping is the process of taking the initial background knowledge on a topic under consideration and seeking input from stakeholders and clients to understand the extent of interest in an evaluation topic, assessing the potential impact of conducting an evaluation, and identifying related activities that may already be underway. Problem formulation refers to the first step in the systematic review process in which an explicit definition or statement is reached on what is to be evaluated in an assessment and how it is to be evaluated. Systematic reviews of literature then assess the potential for adverse effects on human health by agents, substances, mixtures, or exposure scenarios, based on information about human exposure. Several scoping and systematic review activities are in progress, focused on specific disease conditions including atherosclerosis, breast cancer, autism, and neurodevelopment. Keywords: scoping, systematic review, toxicology, epidemiology, exposure, non-cancer effects.