Yes Melissa, I have experience with IR cameras. I use them more for determining between infection and inflammation but have spotted DTIs (cold spots) not visibly seen as DTIs. Clearly do-able in any setting but facility/organization will need policies, staff needs training, and camera needs to "not walk" and process must be HIPPA secure...I think the literature would confirm using this, but the logistics are a bit of a nightmare!Here is some supporting literature on this:REFERENCES
Armstrong D, Lavery A. 1997. Monitoring healing of Charcot’s arthropathy. Journal Of Rehabilitation Research And Development. [online]. Vol. 34, Issue 3. Available from:
http://web.a.ebscohost.com.proxy18.noblenet.org/ehost/detail/detail?vid=5&sid=02476242-1bc8-425c-a369-ee36c0ac2690%40sessionmgr4006&bdata=JkF1dGhUeXBlPWlwJnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZSZzY29wZT1zaXRl#db=mdc&AN=9239625Cox J, Kaes L, Martinez, M, Moles D. 2016. Use of Thermography to Predict Progression of Discolored Intact Skin to Necrosis Among Patients in Skilled Nursing Facilities. Ostomy Wound Manage. [Online]. Volume 62. Issue 10. Pages 14-33. Available From:
https://www.o-wm.com/article/prospective-observational-study-assess-use-thermography-predict-progression-discolored Farid K, Winkelman C, Rizkala A, Jones K. 2012. Thermography as an adjunct to visual/tactile assessments in pressure related discoloration in intact skin. Ostomy/Wound Management. [online]. Volume 58. Issue 8. Pages 20-31. Available from:
http://search.ebscohost.com.proxy18.noblenet.org/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=ip&db=mdc&AN=22879313&site=ehost-live&scope=site. Fierheller M, Sibbald R. 2010. A clinical investigation into the relationship between increased periwound skin temperature and local wound infection in patients with chronic leg ulcers. Advances in Skin & Wound Care. [online]. Volume 23, Issue 8. Pages 369–381. Available from:
https://doi.org/10.1097/01.ASW.0000383197.28192.98Lavery L, Higgins K, Lanctot D, Constantinides G, Zamorano R, Armstrong D, Athanasiou K, Agrawal C. 2004. Home Monitoring of Foot Skin Temperatures to Prevent Ulceration. [online]. American Diabetes Association. Volume 27. Issue 11. Pages 2642-2647. Available from:
https://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/27/11/2642Smart H, Jami E, Buhiji, E, Smart S. 2019. Validation and inter-rater reliability of inexpensive, mini, no-touch infrared surface thermometry devices as an assessment tool for prediction of wound-related deep and surrounding infection. WCET. [online]. Vol. 39, No. 1, Mar 2019: 18-22. Available from: <
https://search.informit.com.au/documentSummary;dn=282276586407058;res=IELHEA> ISSN: 0819-4610.
Springle S, Linded M, McKenna D, Davis K, Riordan B. 2001. Clinical Skin Temperature Measurement to Predict Incipient Pressure Ulcers. Advances In Skin Wound Care. Volume 14. Issue 3. Pages 133-7. Available from:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15504999Verhonick P, Lewis DW, Goller HO. Thermography in the study of decubitus ulcers. Nurs Res. 1972; 21(3):233–237.
Bharara M, Cobb JE, Claremont DJ. Thermography and thermometry in the assessment of diabetic neuropathic foot: a case for furthering the role of thermal techniques. Lower Extremity Wounds. 2006;5(4):250–260.
Use of Thermal Imaging to Identify Deep-Tissue Pressure Injury on Admission Reduces Clinical and Financial Burdens of Hospital-Acquired Pressure Injuries
Koerner, Suzanne BSN, RN, CWOCN; Adams, Diane BSN, RN, CWCN; Harper, Scot L. PhD, MD; Black, Joyce M. PhD, RN, FAAN; Langemo, Diane K. PhD, RN, FAAN
Advances in Skin & Wound Care: July 2019 - Volume 32 - Issue 7 - p 312–320
doi: 10.1097/01.ASW.0000559613.83195.f9
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