USPSTF Prevention TaskForce vs Rabies

The Prevention TaskForce (formerly ePSS) is an application designed and developed by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), the Nation's lead Federal agency for research on health care quality, costs, outcomes and patient safety. It was developed by AHRQ to support the independent U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). The USPSTF is an independent, volunteer panel of national experts in prevention and evidence-based medicine. AHRQ provides support to the USPSTF. The Prevention TaskForce application was developed to assist primary care clinicians identify the screening, counseling, and preventive medication services that are appropriate for their patients. The Prevention TaskForce information is based on the current recommendations of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) and can be searched by specific patient characteristics, such as age, sex, and selected behavioral risk factors. When using this tool please read the specific recommendation to determine if the preventive service is appropriate for your patient. This tool is not meant to replace clinical judgment and individualized patient care. *Application downloads and data updates require internet connectivity

Rabies Guide presents guidance for clinicians handling patients with potential rabies exposure. Based upon the New York State Dept of Health 2010 guideline supplemented by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the app walks the provider through the decision steps considering which animal was involved, the nature of the bite or exposure, the availability of the animal for rabies laboratory testing, and details on both rabies vaccine and immunoglobulin treatment. The app addresses such common questions as: • is a raccoon bite high risk for rabies? • how does patient management differ when the animal involved is or is not captured? • how do I handle a stray dog bite? • on what days do I administer the 4 or 5 rabies vaccine injections? • what are the special considerations for bat exposures, children, or intoxicated persons? • if a domesticated animal is well after a 10 day observation, is rabies post-exposure prophylaxis necessary? • do bites from pet hamsters require post-exposure prophylaxis? This app is written and intended for practicing clinicians like ER and urgent care center docs, family physicians, pediatricians, and internists; for resident physician trainees; and for medical students. As an educator and clinician, I am interested in feedback and I would be grateful for guidance on improving the tool.