Scientific Information Management and Literature-Based Evaluations for the DTT - Support for Scoping & Systematic Review Activities on Specific Test Agents

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 also includes 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 the 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 focused on specific test agents are in progress, including alpha-pinene, organohalogen flame retardants, fluoride, personal care products, and volatile organic compounds. Keywords: scoping, systematic review, toxicology, epidemiology, exposure, cancer, non-cancer effects.