Transparency

• Standardized methodology described in methods papers published on the USPSTF Web site (http://www.preventiveservices.ahrq.gov) and in peer-reviewed journals;^b updates of this methodology in upcoming issues of Annals of Internal Medicine.
• Publication of all evidence reports and recommendations on the USPSTF Web site.
• Topics in progress posted on the USPSTF Web site.
• Federal Register notice soliciting new member and new topic nominations.

Accountability

• Conflict of interest policy for EPC researchers and USPSTF members.
• Process for prioritizing topics for review by the USPSTF.
• Peer review of EPC evidence syntheses and all USPSTF recommendation statements by content experts in federal and professional organizations.
• Updating to keep recommendations consistent with current literature.

Consistency

• Systematic reviews of the literature on effectiveness and harms (http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/epc/).
• Use of outcomes tables to assess balance of benefits and harms.
• Evidence grid defining letter grades.
• Standardized language for recommendations.

Independence

• Evidence review process.
• Voting process (members only).
• Meeting attendance by invitation.
• Formalized communication between USPSTF and stakeholders.