Developing Recommendations for Evidence-Based Clinical Preventive Services for Diverse Populations: Methods of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.

Bibbins-Domingo K1, Whitlock E1, Wolff T1, Ngo-Metzger Q1, Phillips WR1, Davidson KW1, Krist AH1, Lin JS1, Mangione CM1, Kurth AE1, García FAR1, Curry SJ1, Grossman DC1, Landefeld CS1, Epling JW Jr1, Siu AL1.

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Abstract

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) summarizes the principles and considerations that guide development of its recommendations for diverse U.S. populations. It uses these principles through each step in the evidence-based guideline process: developing the research plan, conducting the evidence review, developing the recommendation, and communicating to guideline users. Three recent recommendations provide examples of how the USPSTF has used these principles: the 2015 recommendation on screening for abnormal blood glucose and type 2 diabetes; the 2016 recommendation on screening for breast cancer; and the recommendation on screening for prostate cancer, which is currently in progress. A more comprehensive list of recommendations that includes considerations for specific populations is also provided.