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Support
This is the general support section for ePSS. Email uspstfpda@ahrq.gov for further assistance.
Expand All | Collapse AllGeneral Top
- What is ePSS
- ePSS — the Electronic Preventive Services Selector — is a quick, hands-on tool designed to help primary care clinicians identify and offer the screening, counseling, and preventive medication services that are appropriate for their patients. ePSS is based on the current, evidence-based 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. Available both as a Web-based selector and as a downloadable PDA application, ePSS brings the prevention information clinicians need — recommendations, clinical considerations, and selected practice tools — to the point of care.
- Who should use the ePSS?
- The ePSS tool was designed for practicing clinicians (MDs, DOs, RNs, NPs, PAs), although anyone can use it.
- Will my patients have access to ePSS?
- Anyone can access the ePSS application via the Web or download it to their PDA device.
- Is there a cost to the ePSS tool?
- There is no cost to use the Web-based ePSS application or to download the application onto a PDA device.
- What system specifications are required to use the ePSS tool?
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- To use the Web-based ePSS application the user must have a connection to the Internet. The on-line application is available at http://epss.ahrq.gov.
- The ePSS tool is available for download for Palm handhelds and Windows Mobile Devices (PocketPC).
Compatibility testing has been performed for the following devices:
- PALM Handheld Devices
- Palm Z22
- Palm TX
- Palm E2
- HP iPAQ Devices
- HP iPAQ hx2490b
- HP iPAQ H4350
- HP iPAQ H2200
- Other Devices
- Dell AXIM-X51V
- Sony Clie
- Cingular 8125
Compatibility testing has been performed for the following operation systems:
- PALM OS Compatibility: PALM OS 3.5 to PALM OS 5
- Windows Mobile Compatibility:
- Pocket PC 2003, Windows Mobile 5.x and Windows Mobile 6.x
- .NET Compact Framework 2.0 or later. Download compact framework from http://www.microsoft.com/downloads
- The PDA application has the full functionality of the Web-based application, as well as some other features such as scheduled data and system update reminders, email notifications, full mobility without the need for wireless internet connectivity, and a user friendly interface customized specifically for Palm OS and Windows Pocket PC/Mobile 5
- Windows Requirements:
- Windows XP Service Pack 2 or Windows Vista (PocketPC only)
- Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1 or later
- Microsoft .NET Compact Framework 2.0 or later must be installed on the PocketPC
- Palm HotSync or Microsoft ActiveSync
- 500 MHz Pentium class processor or better
- 256MiB RAM
- Windows Vista (for PocketPC 2003 or Mobile 5 only)
- Currently AHRQ ePSS does not support Macintosh
- PALM Handheld Devices
- Where can I find technical assistance for ePSS?
- Users may submit comments, questions, suggestions, or other feedback to uspstfpda@ahrq.gov.
- Are there any copyright policies in the use of the ePSS tool?
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Yes. AHRQ makes this product available under the following conditions:
- The Electronic Preventive Services Selector may be downloaded for specific individual applications by organizations and for personal use, providing citation of the source is included: Electronic Preventive Services Selector. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. October 2006. Rockville, MD. http://epss.ahrq.gov.
- For the PDA application, users can subscribe for ePSS database update alerts. Subscribed users will receive e-mail notifications of system and data updates for the ePSS PDA application based on a reminder frequency selected during registration process. When notified, users can perform a HotSync or ActiveSync to update their device with the latest USPSTF recommendations.
- Users will also be able to select an update reminder feature on their PC (during installation) that will prompt them to HotSync or ActiveSync their PDA device on a weekly, monthly, quarterly, or yearly basis to obtain the latest USPSTF recommendations.
PDA General Top
- Can I be sure that ePSS tool will provide the latest recommendations?
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- The ePSS application database for both the Web and PDA application is kept current with the latest USPSTF recommendations. The recommendations data are managed and updated periodically by the USPSTF staff.
- For the PDA application, users can subscribe for ePSS database update alerts. Subscribed users will receive e-mail notifications of system and data updates for the ePSS PDA application during registration process. When notified, users can perform a HotSync or ActiveSync to update their device with the latest USPSTF recommendations.
- Users will also be able to select an update reminder feature on their PC (during installation) that will prompt them to HotSync or ActiveSync their PDA device on a weekly, monthly, quarterly, or yearly basis to obtain the latest USPSTF recommendations.
- How do I download the ePSS application to my PDA device?
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- Go to http://epss.ahrq.gov.
- Select Palm or Windows Mobile device type by clicking on the download link located on the Download PDA Application section.
- Optionally subscribe for email notifications then click Download button.
- Save the ePSS installation package to your desktop.
- Launch the ePSS installation package from your desktop and follow the InstallShield Wizard instructions.
- Important: Install the ePSS application on the default directory of the PDA device and not on an external card/memory card.
- How do I install ePSS for PDA in the External Memory (SD Card)?
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Windows Mobile:
Click "No" to bypass default AHRQ ePSS installation. Select a specified location, external memory or secondary memory, and click "OK" to continue.- Fig. 1 Default Application Install Directory
- Fig. 2 Select Destination Location
Palm:
Select "Expansion Card" to install AHRQ ePSS application in the Expansion Card (SD Card). Selecting "Expansion Card" will prompt you to delete (Fig. 4) the AHRQ ePSS files (if exists) from your Palm device. Click "OK" after deleting all the listed files to continue.- Fig. 3 Installation Location
- Fig. 4 Delete Current ePSS Files
- Should I remove the previous version of ePSS tool before install a new one?
- No. The new version of the ePSS tool will update the previous version automatically. Follow the steps on the Upgrade ePSS for Palm or Upgrade ePSS for Windows Mobiles page.
- How do I update the ePSS recommendations on my PDA device?
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Follow the steps below to update your recommendations.
- Connect PocketPC or Palm Device to your computer.
- Close the ePSS application on the PDA device.
- From the Start menu, select the All Programs.
- Look for AHRQ ePSS for PocketPC or Palm according to your device.
- Select ePSS Update from the menu. A dialog window will appear on your screen.
- Click on the UPDATE button and wait until it completes. Select quit to close the update window.
- Sync your PDA with the computer. The updated recommendations will appear on the PDA device.
Android Top
- Can I be sure that ePSS tool will provide the latest recommendations?
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- The ePSS application database for both the Web and Android Application is kept current with the latest USPSTF recommendations. The recommendations data are managed and updated periodically by the USPSTF staff.
- For the Android Application, users can subscribe for ePSS database update alerts. Subscribed users will receive e-mail notifications of system and data updates for the ePSS Android application during registration process. When notified, users can use the update tab to update their recommendations.
- How do I download the ePSS application to an Android OS device?
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- Go to epss.ahrq.gov.
- Click on Learn More under the Android list item.
- A link is offered to the Android Store for download and installation.
- Should I remove the previous version of ePSS tool before installing a new one?
- No. The new version of the ePSS tool will update the previous version automatically.
- What are the Android OS Device system requirements?
- The ePSS application will run on Android OS versions from 1.6 to 2.2. It has been tested on Android OS versions 2.1.
- How do I update the ePSS recommendations on my iPhone?
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- Verify you have WiFi or wireless connection through your carrier.
- Click the Update icon.
- Touch the Check for Updates icon to see if any new ePSS recommendations are available.
iPad Top
- Can I be sure that ePSS tool will provide the latest recommendations?
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- The ePSS application database for both the Web and iPad application is kept current with the latest USPSTF recommendations. The recommendations data are managed and updated periodically by the USPSTF staff.
- For the iPad touch application, users can subscribe for ePSS database update alerts. Subscribed users will receive e-mail notifications of system and data updates for the ePSS iPad touch application during registration process. ePSS application check and download the available updates when the application launched.
- How do I download the ePSS application to an iPad?
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- Go to epss.ahrq.gov.
- Click on Learn More under the iPad list item.
- A link is offered to the Apple App Store for download and installation.
- Should I remove the previous version of ePSS tool before installing a new one?
- No. The new version of the ePSS tool will update the previous version automatically.
- What are the iPad system requirements?
- The ePSS application will run on iPad/iPad2. It has been tested on iOS 4.2.
- How do I update the ePSS recommendations on my iPad?
- The ePSS application will automatically check and download the available recommendation updates when the application launched. Verify you have a WiFi or wireless connection through your carrier before launching the application.
iPhone/iPod touch Top
- Can I be sure that ePSS tool will provide the latest recommendations?
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- The ePSS application database for both the Web and iPhone/iPod touch application is kept current with the latest USPSTF recommendations. The recommendations data are managed and updated periodically by the USPSTF staff.
- For the iPhone/iPod touch application, users can subscribe for ePSS database update alerts. Subscribed users will receive e-mail notifications of system and data updates for the ePSS iPhone/iPod touch application during registration process. When notified, users can use the update tab to update their recommendations.
- How do I download the ePSS application to an iPhone/iPod touch?
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- Go to epss.ahrq.gov.
- Click on Learn More under the iPhone/iPod touch list item.
- A link is offered to the Apple App Store for download and installation.
- Should I remove the previous version of ePSS tool before installing a new one?
- No. The new version of the ePSS tool will update the previous version automatically.
- What are the iPhone/iPod touch system requirements?
- The ePSS application will run on any OS 2.x iPhone or iPod touch. It has been tested on OS 2.2 and 2.2.1.
- How do I update the ePSS recommendations on my iPhone/iPod touch?
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- Verify you have WiFi or wireless connection through your carrier.
- Click the Update icon.
- Touch the Check for Updates icon to see if any new ePSS recommendations are available.
Palm OS/webOS Top
- The ePSS icon doesn't appear on a Palm device.
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Follow the steps below to install the ePSS application to your Palm device.
- Open up Windows Explorer on your PC.
- Double-click the file located at C:\Program Files\AHRQ\ePSS\Palm\PalmCPSSAHRQ.prc.
- This should bring up the Palm Install or Quick Install window. Your Palm username should be visible in the User drop-down near the top-right side of the window. If it is then you may simply close out the Install window. If it is not then select your username for the device from the drop-down; click Add; browse to and select/open the PalmCPSSAHRQ.prc file located at C:\Program Files\AHRQ\ePSS\Palm on your PC and then close out the Install window.
- HotSync your device. The ePSS application should now be installed on your device.
- PmTraceDatabase Can't Be Backed Up Causing a Sync Error.
- This is a known issue from Palm, visit the link http://forums.palm.com/palm/board/message?board.id=windows_hotsync&message.id=29695 for more information.
- Can I install ePSS Tools on Windows 7?
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Yes.
- Download and install Palm Desktop 6.2 from Palm Support.
- Verify HotSync works between your device and Windows 7. Do NOT install ePSS tool if HotSync does not work on your computer.
- Go to epss.ahrq.gov.
- Click "Download for Vista" link under Palm OS.
- Follow the Installation Instructions to install ePSS for Palm onto your device.
Windows Mobile Top
- How to uninstall ePSS for Windows Mobile using Windows Vista OS?
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Follow the steps below to uninstall ePSS on Windows Vista:
- From the desktop, click the Start button, select Settings, then Control Panel.
- From the Control Panel, double click the "Programs and Features" icon.
- From the "Uninstall or Change a Program" list, right click on "AHRQ Electronic Preventive Services Selector (ePSS) for PocketPC".
- Select the "Uninstall/Change" from the drop down menu which initiates the uninstall process.
- Click the "Continue" button from the User Account Control window.
- Important: You must install the ePSS application on the default directory of the PDA device and not on an external card/memory card.
- What should I do when the Windows Mobile device displays the following message during the upgrade?
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This program is from an unknown publisher. You should install it only if you trust its publisher. Do you want to continue? Name: AHRQ ePSS.CAB Publisher: Unknown Location: \Windows\AppMgr\Install?
This message may appear on the Palm Treo smartphone model 700, 750 or other devices with Microsoft Mobile version 5. Select the "Yes" button to finish the installation. - My Windows Mobile device displays two AHRQ ePSS icons. Can I delete one of the icons?
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Your Windows Mobile device is running two different versions of the AHRQ ePSS applications. The older version of the "AHRQ ePSS" should be identified and removed from your device.
- Go to Start->Programs->File explorer->My Device->Windows->Start Menu->Programs.
- Identify the older version of "AHRQ ePSS". The date should be on or prior to 10/30/07.
- Select and delete the older "AHRQ ePSS" file. This will remove the icon from your device.
- Fig. 5 AHRQ ePSS icons
- How do I install the ePSS application onto a SD card / External Memory?
- Follow the steps in "Installation through Personal Computer". If your device has the Windows Mobile OS version 5.0 or earlier, you will not be able to install the ePSS application onto a SD card / External Memory through the "Installation on Device Only".
- Do I need to stay connected to the internet after updating the ePSS application using "Upgrade on Device Only" method?
- Yes. The device should keep connected to the internet. The ePSS application will checks for the available Recommendation updates on the ePSS server when the application restart is compeleted. If the device is disconnected from the internet, you will receive a message "Internet connection not detected". Click "OK" to continue to use the application without updating the Recommendations. You still can check for updates later.
Website Top
- Can I provide my patient with a print out of the recommendation and topic pages?
- Yes, on the Web-based ePSS application, the user may click on the "Print Friendly Format" icon to print.
- How do I unsubscribe from the ePSS email notifications?
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- Go to Unsubscribe.
- Enter your email address and click Unsubscribe.