Frequently Asked Questions about the CLAB - ICU Project
Q: What is a Teleform™?
A: Teleform™ software enables creation of a special electronic form that allows clinicians to complete the CLAB checklist by hand in paper format (see CLAB project resources to download this form). Once the completed form is faxed from your facility to us at the CEC, the Teleform™ software scan station enables the database to accept hand-written characters (through intelligent character recognition) and this populates our CLAB database.
Q: Are there any special requirements to be aware of when filling out and faxing in the CLAB checklist in relation to Teleform™?
A: Yes - The following points are the most frequent we encounter:
- Please write clearly in capital letters
- Fill out all relevant sections of the checklist.
- Do not write/stick labels over the unique identifier code in the bottom right hand corner of form.
- Colour in (as opposed to 'ticking') the circles – should a mistake be made, please correct by placing an 'X' through the incorrect circle. This correction can then be easily identified when we perform our manual verification of the data.
- Do not include a coversheet – all faxed forms are sent to a dedicated fax machine which scans the incoming faxes and places them directly into the Teleform™ verifier. Coversheets convert to 'non-forms' which we then have to manually verify and delete.
- Store the fax number in machines to reduce the problem of inappropriate transmission of patient information.
- Ensure that labels DO NOT COVER the Identifier markers (small black squares) in each corner of the form – this prevents the form being properly identified by the Teleform™ software and causes malalignment of the form, leading to difficulties with verification of data fields. As there is limited space on the form to place the patient's label – it is less of a problem if the label overlaps onto the 'facility code' field – as this can be manually corrected.
Q: Do I need to document patients with a positive tip culture without bacteraemia?
A: No - Line colonisation does not equal bacteraemia - blood stream infection is a separate issue. Positive tip culture without bacteraemia data will not be collected as part of the CLAB Project dataset, it may however prove more useful at a local level at this stage.
Q: How should I document multiple CVC site attempts on the checklist?
A: If multiple sites are attempted for cannulation, only the data relating to the successfully cannulated blood vessel should be submitted on the checklist. If there are more than 3 passes then the YES option should be noted in the procedural data field which enquires about multiple passes.
Q: How should I document the malposition of a CVC on the checklist?
A: If a line is inserted in the wrong place (malposition), removed and re-inserted in the right place. Only record the successful site insertion, and tick the malposition circle to indicate this to have been a complication.
Q: Am I able to indicate multiple choices (ie: fill in multiple circles) in any of the data fields of the checklist?
A: Yes – But only within the procedural field. For instance, a CVC may be inserted both as an elective and ultrasound-guided procedure. Similarly, a CVC may be inserted both as an emergency and replacement procedure.
Q: Should I be filling out the competency section on Senior Medical Practitioners (SMP's) performing the procedure? Do they need to undertake the competency?
A: No – Competency is assumed for this group of medical staff – please indicate a 'Yes' to this question. This section was primarily designed for Registrars.
Q: I'm finding it difficult to track patients and document when their lines are being removed – how could this best be achieved?
A: One good idea that Liverpool hospital team has recently implemented is the development of a red alert sticker that can be attached to the CVC. It alerts the nurse removing the CVC to call a phone number prior to removal and speak with one of the CLAB team staff so as they can document the removal.
Q: We need to develop a comprehensive CVC pack at our hospital – one which contains all the required equipment/instruments and appropriately-sized drapes. Any suggestions?
A: Yes? Many of the CLAB teams have come up with some great and cost effective ideas – there are disposable CVC packs that can be made up to individual hospital/unit requirements for as little as $11 per pack including drapes, gowns etc. Please refer to project resources 'Disposable CVC Packs'.
Back to programs and projects page
