Frequently Asked Questions: Guidelines & KT Tools and the New iCCS App
What has changed on the CCS website?
Over the past two years, the CCS has rolled out a new website in multiple phases. With this most recent phase, we are improving the design, ease, speed, and replicability with which clinicians can access CCS Guidelines and Knowledge Translation (KT) tools. Our new website resource: Guidelines & KT Tools, and the accompanying newly updated version of the iCCS app, presents our content in a one-stop-shop format. Each new Guidelines page includes all the associated tools (like infographics, on-demand educational webinars, pocket guides and more) in the Related Resources section. One of the biggest changes is how Guidelines and KT content is organized on our website. Before it was categorized by type (i.e. all pocket guides grouped together), now all KT tools are available alongside their respective Guidelines.
The CCS Guidelines are already accessible in the CJC; why host the content on CCS.ca?
The CCS website has always played a crucial role in connecting members with important tools and resources to support their work. While CCS Guidelines will continue to be published and accessible through our CJC journals, feedback from our members and the broader cardiovascular community pointed to the need to consolidate our Guidelines content. In a live clinical setting, Guidelines and Knowledge Translation tools come together to help cardiovascular specialists make evidence-based decisions for the best possible care.
Up until now, Guidelines and Knowledge Translation content were available across multiple sources: the Canadian Journal of Cardiology (CJC), on CCS.ca, and on the CCS e-Guidelines portal. This change centralizes our Guidelines and KT content in one space to better support decision making and application of knowledge to practice.
What will happen to the e-Guidelines portal on CCS.ca?
The new Guidelines & KT Tools resource replaces the existing e-Guidelines portal. The goal of adding this resource to the CCS website is to better meet the needs of the CCS members and cardiovascular community by improving the ease of access and use of CCS Guidelines, KT tools and educational webinars for use in practice, teaching, and self-directed learning. As part of this work, we removed the e-Guidelines portal (a source of CCS Guidelines and KT tools), which was under-utilized, unstable, and not integrated into the CCS.ca content management system.
The development and testing of the new Guidelines & KT resources were undertaken through input and needs assessments from CCS members and the broader cardiovascular community along with implementing best practices from similar specialist societies.
How will Guidelines & KT Tools connect to the CJC? Can I still download a PDF of the Guidelines?
Each Guidelines topic area on CCS.ca features a button that links directly to the original published Guidelines on the Canadian Journal of Cardiology website: https://www.onlinecjc.ca/. You can continue to download PDF versions of any Guidelines on the CJC site.
The Guidelines & KT Tools resource also features a citation button with the individual citation of the original article for reference purposes. As always, users must cite work accordingly.
Which Guidelines are available on Guidelines & KT Tools and the newly updated iCCS app?
The following Guidelines are available now in both resources: Guidelines & KT Tools and the iCCS app. Additional Guidelines will be added over time. Stay tuned for CCS member communications for the latest launches.
| Peripheral Arterial Disease |
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| Heart Failure |
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| Dyslipidemia |
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| Atrial Fibrillation |
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| Drive & Fly |
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Will I still be able to access clinical tools/resources, slide sets and pocket guides?
Yes, both the Guidelines & KT Tools resource as well as the newly updated iCCS app will have related Knowledge Translation tools integrated directly with their respective Guidelines. KT tools and educational webinars for any other Guidelines (ones that are not currently included in the new resources) will remain available on the Guideline Resources page.
Is iCCS a brand-new app?
No, this release is an updated version of the same iCCS app, but with significant improvements. If you already have the app, simply update it to start using the new version. iCCS is available for Apple and Android via the App Store and Google Play. The iCCS app mirrors the experience of the Guidelines & KT Tools resources on the CCS website, allowing for easy navigation and access to the most important Guidelines and updates. Over time, additional Guidelines and KT tools will be made available on the app for specialists and practitioners to easily access tools for care.
Will I still be able to access other Guidelines that are not part of the new resources?
Yes, all existing Guidelines will continue to be accessible through the Guidelines and CPU Library. Over time, outdated Guidelines will be permanently archived and replaced with the most up-to-date Guidelines for each topic. For example, the 2020 Comprehensive Guidelines for the Management of Atrial Fibrillation will be available, but its previous Guideline publications will be archived. Guidelines, Position Statements, and Clinical Practice Updates from 2009 to present will always be available on the Canadian Journal of Cardiology website: https://www.onlinecjc.ca/.
How can I get more information about CCS Guidelines and Knowledge Translation tools?
Please feel free to contact us at guidelines@ccs.ca.