233740 Challenges in cancer screening guideline preparation: A view from the USPSTF

Monday, November 8, 2010 : 2:50 PM - 3:10 PM

Ned Calonge, MD, MPH, PhD , Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Denver, CO
     
The process for systematic evidence review used by the USPSTF involves evaluation and synthesis guided by an analytic framework and key questions. When appropriate RCT data are available, synthesis is based on the number needed to invite to screening to extend one life rather than the number needed to screen. The USPSTF then determines net benefit, often needing to compare disparate health benefits and harms, and judges the certainty of net benefit, which translates into a recommendation. The USPSTF may use modeling to provide guidance in areas of insufficient evidence, such as when specifying starting and stopping ages and periodicity. This presentation will identify the challenges of such a methodology and places where research could contribute to its improvement.

Learning Areas:
Basic medical science applied in public health
Clinical medicine applied in public health
Communication and informatics
Provision of health care to the public
Public health or related organizational policy, standards, or other guidelines

Learning Objectives:
1) Describe the methods by which the USPSTF creates evidence-based recommendations for preventive services. 2) Describe one area where research would inform the USPSTF methodology

Keywords: Cancer, Screening

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am the chair of the US Preventive Services Task Force
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

Back to: 3330.0: Cancer Screening Guideline Challenges: Methods, Communication, and Application