Procedure Manual

This procedure manual documents the methods used by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) staff, and the AHRQ-designated Evidence-based Practice Centers (EPCs) in developing reviews and recommendations for clinical preventive services. It reflects current Task Force procedures and will be reviewed at least annually.

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Contents

Section 1. Overview of U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Structure and Processes
Section 2: Topic Selection, Prioritization, and Updating
Section 3. Topic Work Plan Development
Section 4. Evidence Report Development
Section 5. Methods for Arriving at a Recommendation
Section 6. Other Considerations for Recommendations
Section 7. Dissemination of USPSTF Recommendations
Section 8. References
Acknowledgements
Members of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force
Appendixes
   I. Congressional Mandate
   II. USPSTF Disclosure Form
   III. Surveillance Literature Summary
   IV. Roles and Responsibilities of USPSTF Topic Work Group Lead
   V. Solicitation for Nominations for Health Topics
   VI. Work Assignment/Plan Template
   VII. Criteria for Internal Validity
   VIII. Criteria for External Validity
   IX. Standardization of Outcomes Tables
   X. Factors for Starting, Stopping Times for Screening
   XI. Factors for Screening Intervals

AHRQ Publication No. 08-05118-EF
Current as of August 2011

Internet Citation:

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Procedure Manual. AHRQ Publication No. 08-05118-EF, July 2008. http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf08/methods/procmanual.htm