Decision Support Tools metadatabase
- The text on this page is taken from an equivalent page of the IEHIAS-project.
The Decision Support Tools (DSTs) metadatabase is a collection of information of relevant tools collected to support practitioners in the environmental health management process. DSTs include software, handbooks, methodologies and data on environmental stressors, emissions, pathways, exposure and health effect. Over 80 tools have been identified to date and are accessible via the web-based search-able database.
The metadatabase has various functionalities:
- Add your own tool
- Searching on descriptors and free text
- Review and comment
- Evaluate functionalities (fixed criteria)
Method description
Purpose
The metadatabase consists of numerous decision support tools within health and environment. The aim is to provide easy access to tools for practitioners.
Boundaries
Fields of Model: outdoor air, indoor air, water, soil, exposure, multimedia, traffic etc
Spatial coverage: DSTs cover Europe, USA, Canada.
Pollutants/stressors/Agents covered: Various stressors within health and environment are covered.
Health effects: various health effects are covered.
Population subgroups are considered.
Source types of emissions/Sectors: various types.
Input
Users can upload their own DSTs. The metabatabase has two search options, either via free text or with descriptors.
Database type: SQL.
Accessible though a simple web interface.
Output
The output is an overview of DSTs which might help you in your decision making.
Description of processes modelled and of technical details
The search function in the metadatabase is user-friendly, as it is a simple search engine, where you can either search by free text or a choice of predefined keywords. The database can direct you to the right DST, the contact person and the availability. The user can enter new DSTs, but registration is then required.
Rationale
The metadatabase is generally a database which is constantly being updated with new decision support tools. Our goal is to make available the vast of tools available within the management process of environmental health.