The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force: An Evidence-based Prevention Resource for Nurse Practitioners

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force
An Evidence-Based Prevention Resource for Nurse Practitioners
By Tricia Trinite, MSPH, ANP, BCa, Carol Loveland-Cherry, PhD, RNb, Lucy Marion, PhD, RN, FAANc----------------------
This article was first published in the Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. Select for copyright and source information.
--------

Contents
Abstract
Introduction
The Mandate of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force
Task Force Methods
How to Use the USPSTF Recommendations
The Potential Contribution of Nursing to the Task Force
The Underuse of Preventive Services: Potential Nursing Solutions
Counteracting Overuse of Preventive Services
Nursing and the Effort to Cross the Quality Chasm
Resources Available to Help Close the Quality Gap
The Challenge of Supporting Healthy Behaviors
The Role of the Task Force on Community Preventive Services
References
Notes

Abstract
Purpose: To describe the work of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and to encourage nurse practitioners (NPs) to use its evidence-based recommendations for clinical preventive services.

Sources: Evidence reports, recommendation statements, and journal articles published under the auspices of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force since its establishment in 1984.

Conclusions: A core competency for NPs working in primary care is knowledge about and provision of appropriate preventive services for their patients. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, an independent panel of experts in prevention and primary care, is an important resource for NPs.

Implications for Practice: NPs can use Task Force recommendations to guide their screening, counseling, and preventive medication decisions. They can also educate patients about the missed prevention opportunities related to underuse of effective services and the potential harms of overuse of inappropriate preventive services.

Keywords: Advanced practice nurse (APN); primary care; prevention, clinical practice guidelines; evidence-based practice.



Introduction
Applying scientific principles to preventing disease and disability is basic to nursing practice. Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, established the profession on a strong scientific and prevention foundation. In the 1850s, during the Crimean War, she conducted careful analysis of environmental and outcome data and brought to light the environmental factors associated with the loss of British soldiers' lives. She followed up on her findings by advocating for improvements in sanitary conditions that yielded substantial reductions in morbidity and mortality.

Throughout her career, Nightingale emphasized that science-based nursing care puts individuals in the best position to benefit from the healing power of nature. Nurse practitioners (NPs) with advanced practice responsibilities continue the Nightingale tradition, focusing on prevention and relying on evidence to direct their practice.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF or Task Force) is an important resource for all NPs, offering them ready access to evidence-based recommendations for preventive services that will inform their primary care practice.


ABRIR AQUÍ para acceder al documento AHRQ completo (extenso):
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force: An Evidence-based Prevention Resource for Nurse Practitioners