A review of the use of the infrared thermography in the early detection of phlebitis

Abstract: Background: The first use of thermography was discovered in 1957 when researchers found that the temperature of the skin over breast cancer was higher than the normal tissues. In a hospital setting, a peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) is the most frequently performed procedure, and approximately 33-67% of admitted patients require at least one peripheral vein insertion. Moreover, the manifestation of phlebitis includes local changes in skin temperatures, due to the occurrence of an inflammatory process because of body response. Objectives: The study aimed to examine the literature and integrate the body and PIVC insertion site temperatures and the Visual Infusion Phlebitis (VIP) score of phlebitis among adult patients with PIVCs. Methods: The search strategy began with six electronic databases (e.g. CINAHL and Medline). Considering the inclusion criteria, published studies that examined the use of infrared thermography in the early detection of phlebitis among adult patients with PIVC in the timeframe of 2011 through 2021 were chosen. Data extraction and analysis were completed on all included studies. The final sample for this review comprised 7 studies. Findings: Based on common meanings and central issues, this signifies that IFT may contribute as a diagnostic tool to detect early manifestation of phlebitis due to the direct proportion of IFT results and the VIP scoring system. Conclusion: In general, the categories that emerged in this study could be useful in extending the understanding of the field of infrared thermography in detecting the development of phlebitis.