Definition

A volunteer group of health experts who review published research and make recommendations about prevention health care methods such as screening tests, counseling, immunizations, and medicines. Before making a recommendation, the United States Preventive Services Task Force looks at the strength (scientific quality and correctness) of the evidence found in the research and the benefits and harms of each method being reviewed. Recommendations are made to help health care providers and patients decide whether a specific method is right for a patient’s needs. The recommendations may change as new research studies are published. Also called USPSTF.