How To Read the New Recommendation Statement: Methods Update. Table 2.

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Table 2: Template for 1-Page Summary of U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) Recommendation Statements

Population	Information displayed here (typically in multiple columns) indicates the specific populations to which elements of the recommendation apply.
Recommendation	Indicated here is the action associated with each letter grade (e.g., do X, don't screen, etc.) Grade: A, B, C, or D recommendation or I statement.
Risk assessment	Characteristics that should be considered when applying this recommendation to a patient panel are indicated here.
Screening tests	For A, B, or C screening recommendations, information is provided on reliable tests.
Screening intervals	For A, B, or C screening recommendations, information on optimal intervals will be included here if evidence is available.
Interventions	For counseling recommendations, features of evidence-based interventions will be described here, including type and intensity of the intervention, how it is delivered in a primary care setting, and by whom.
Balance of harm and benefits	The rationale for C and D recommendations is provided here.
Suggestions for practice	When available, additional information is provided about applying the recommendation in clinical practice. This box is most frequently used when the Task Force issues an I statement (evidence is insufficient).
Other relevant recommendations from the USPSTF	When applicable, information about other related USPSTF recommendations is provided.

All of the information in this summary comes from the specific recommendation statements and associated clinical considerations. For a summary of the evidence systematically reviewed in making these recommendations, the full recommendation statement, and supporting documents, go to http://www.preventiveservices.ahrq.gov

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