Guidelines for Safer Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery in Ghana
Explore practical guidance for surgical decisions, patient safety, and ethical practice across the continuum of care.
Evidence-Informed Decisions
Patient-Centred Care
Professional Standards
Purpose and Scope
Practical Guidance for Surgical Teams and Better Patient Care
The Ghanaian Society of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgeons’ guidelines provide a shared reference for clinicians involved in cardiovascular and thoracic surgical care. They are intended to support consistent, evidence-informed decisions while allowing teams to consider each patient’s needs, available resources, and local clinical circumstances.
These guidelines are relevant to surgeons, trainees, anaesthesia and critical care teams, nurses, and other professionals who contribute to assessment, treatment, and recovery. Their scope spans referral and preoperative evaluation, operative care, postoperative management, patient safety, and professional conduct. They support clinical judgment rather than replace it, and should be applied alongside current evidence, institutional protocols, and appropriate multidisciplinary discussion.
Explore Guidelines by Area of Practice
Cardiac Surgery
Thoracic Surgery
Vascular Surgery
Preoperative Assessment
Perioperative Safety
Ethics and Professional Conduct
Recommendations for Cardiovascular and Thoracic Care
- Assess each patient’s symptoms, history, and operative risk.
- Use current evidence to guide investigations and treatment.
- Discuss appropriate options with a multidisciplinary team.
- Explain expected benefits, risks, and alternatives to patients.
- Document informed consent before intervention.
- Escalate urgent findings without avoidable delay.
- Follow applicable infection prevention and control protocols.
- Use a structured preoperative safety checklist.
- Confirm procedure, patient identity, and operative site.
- Plan anesthesia and perioperative monitoring collaboratively.
- Maintain clear postoperative handovers and care plans.
- Recognize and manage complications promptly.
- Adapt recommendations to available facilities and expertise.
- Refer patients when needed care exceeds local capacity.
- Record clinical reasoning when practice differs from guidance.
- Protect patient confidentiality in all records and discussions.
- Review outcomes to support quality improvement.
- Check for updated guidance before applying a recommendation.
How to Use the Guidelines
Step 1
Consult the Relevant Guidance
Find the recommendation that matches the patient’s condition and confirm that you are using the latest available version.
Step 2
Interpret It in Context
Consider the strength of the evidence alongside the patient’s preferences, clinical risks, and available local resources.
Step 3
Apply and Document Your Decision
Use clinical judgment to agree on a care plan, arrange referral where necessary, and record the reasons for your decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find practical answers on the scope, interpretation, and use of GSCTS guidelines in clinical settings.
Who should use these guidelines?
They are intended for GSCTS members and other clinicians involved in cardiovascular or thoracic surgical care, subject to their roles and local requirements.
Do the guidelines apply to every patient?
No. Recommendations support decision-making, but care should reflect each patient’s condition, preferences, and circumstances.
Are the guidelines a substitute for clinical judgment?
No. Clinicians remain responsible for assessing the evidence and choosing an appropriate course of care for the individual patient.
What if local resources limit a recommended approach?
Consider a safe, feasible alternative or referral, discuss relevant limitations with the care team and patient, and document the plan.
How should I interpret a recommendation that seems unclear?
Read it alongside its supporting context and evidence, then discuss the interpretation with experienced colleagues or the relevant clinical team.
Can I depart from a guideline recommendation?
Yes, when patient-specific factors justify it. Record the clinical rationale, alternatives considered, and discussion with the patient where appropriate.
How do I know whether guidance is current?
Check the publication or review date and look for updates before relying on a recommendation in practice.
Where can I seek clarification about a guideline?
Raise the question through your local clinical governance channels or contact GSCTS through its published contact details for guidance on the document.
Should patients be involved in guideline-based decisions?
Yes. Explain relevant options, likely benefits, risks, and uncertainties so patients can participate in decisions about their care.
+233 (0) 30 000 0000
Call with guidelines questions
guidelines@gscts.org
Email questions or report concerns
GSCTS Secretariat, Accra, Ghana
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