The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF or Task Force) is an independent group of national experts in primary care, prevention, evidence-based medicine. The Task Force makes recommendations about preventive services offered in the primary care setting or referred by a primary care clinician. The Task Force is made up experts in the fields of preventive medicine and primary care, including internal medicine, family medicine, pediatrics, behavioral health, obstetrics/gynecology, and nursing. To make recommendations, the Task Force uses their own expertise, as well as that of others.
For each topic, the Task Force works with topic research teams called Evidence-based Practice Centers (EPCs). These topic research teams include individuals with expertise in systematic evidence reviews and in the specific topic. The EPC researchers work with the Task Force to develop research plans and conduct the evidence reviews that the Task Force uses to inform its recommendations.
In addition, for each topic, the Task Force seeks input from expert reviewers, stakeholders, partners, and the public. External input helps ensure that final recommendations are relevant and useful to health professionals, patients, and family members.
Expert Reviewers
Who makes up this group?
Subject matter experts on the topic, including specialists. Areas of expertise include screening, diagnosis, and treatment of the condition and at-risk populations.
How does the Task Force communicate with this group?
The Task Force invites organizations to nominate expert reviewers.
When does this group provide input?
During the development of the draft research plan and draft evidence review.
How does the Task Force receive and use the input?
Expert reviewers provide feedback on the draft research plan and evidence review to the EPC. The EPC shares the feedback with the Task Force. All feedback is reviewed and used to inform the drafts that are posted for public comment.
Stakeholders
Who makes up this group?
National primary care, specialty, patient, advocacy, and other organizations with expertise and interest in the topic.
How does the Task Force communicate with this group?
The Task Force sends an email to the leadership of these organizations at the start work on a topic inviting them to comment on the draft research plan and sign up for the Task Force email list. The Task Force continues to communicate with these stakeholders about future topic activities through the email list.
When does this group provide input?
Throughout the recommendation process, including the 4-week public comment periods for draft research plans, draft evidence reviews, and draft recommendation statements.
How does the Task Force receive and use the input?
The Task Force receives stakeholder comments through the Task Force website and carefully considers all comments submitted by stakeholders when finalizing the documents.
Partners
Who makes up this group?
National organizations that represent primary care clinicians, consumers, and other primary care stakeholders and health-related Federal agencies. A list of partners is available here.
How does the Task Force communicate with this group?
The Task Force communicates directly with partners through regular phone calls and meetings. The Task Force also sends emails to partners to notify them when draft research plans, draft evidence reviews, and draft recommendation statements are posted for public comment.
When does this group provide input?
Throughout the recommendation process, including during the 4-week public comment periods for draft research plans, draft evidence reviews, and draft recommendation statements.
How does the Task Force receive and use the input?
The Task Force receives partner comments through the Task Force website and carefully considers all comments submitted by partners when finalizing the documents. The Task Force also receives partner feedback throughout the recommendation process during regular phone calls and meetings.
Public
Who makes up this group?
Anyone interested in providing feedback to the Task Force.
How does the Task Force communicate with this group?
The Task Force posts all draft and final materials on its website. It notifies the public about opportunities to comment on draft materials and the posting of final materials through the Task Force email list.
When does this group provide input?
Throughout the recommendation process, including the 4-week public comment periods for draft research plans, draft evidence reviews, and draft recommendation statements.
How does the Task Force receive and use the input?
The Task Force receives public comments via the Task Force website and carefully considers all comments submitted by the public when finalizing the documents.
Current as of: February 2021