A Standardized Definition of Rapid Evidence Assessment for Environmental Applications

Area of Science:

• Environmental science
• Evidence synthesis
• Decision science

Background:

• Evidence assessment is crucial for environmental decision-making.
• Current methods for rapid evidence assessment (REA) lack standardized definitions and raise concerns about rigor and consistency.
• Efficiency is a key driver for developing REA methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a standardized definition for rapid evidence assessment (REA) in environmental applications.
• To improve consistency and confidence in the application of REA.
• To guide users in selecting appropriate rigor levels for REA.

Main Methods:

• Convened an international group of evidence users and researchers.
• Employed a consensus-driven and iterative approach to define REA.
• Focused on maximizing rigor and objectivity within resource constraints.

Main Results:

• Defined REA as a structured review process balancing rigor, objectivity, and resource constraints.
• Emphasized transparency regarding trade-offs, risks, and biases in REA.
• Highlighted the capacity of REA to integrate diverse evidence types.

Conclusions:

• A standardized definition of REA enhances transparency in environmental decision-making.
• This definition facilitates informed decisions on the appropriate level of rigor for REA.
• Improved REA processes increase confidence for those commissioning, conducting, and utilizing evidence assessments.