Fast tracking in cardiac surgery: implications for practice

Even though economic incentives might have been the impetus for its revival, fast tracking offers numerous other benefits, not the least of which is improved patient care. However, its benefits can be realized only through specific perioperative management, including preoperative assessment, identification and selection of appropriate candidates, optimal intra- and postoperative management and interdisciplinary discharge planning. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, the maximum benefits of fast tracking can be reaped by both the patient and the healthcare team.