Infrared thermography for risk reduction of nosocomial cross infections during the COVID-19 pandemic: potential application in healthcare facilities

Abstract Introduction: Among millions of people who may be infected with COVID-19, patients with cardiovascular and oncologic diseases exhibit the highest risks of having worse outcomes. These patients are subject to chronic disease decompensation and may be subjected to cross-infection while visiting health facilities that are taking care of COVID-19 infected patients. Objective: To present scientific evidence and propose the use of infrared thermography for the reduction of viral cross-infection in healthcare facilities. Methods: Theoretical essay Results: Previous experience in pandemic show favorable results with the use of infrared thermography identifying infected patients and reducing the possibility of cross infections. Conclusion: Infrared thermography is a radiation-free, relatively inexpensive, noncontact, and noninvasive technology that could be used for mass-screening of patients and visitors with fever, especially in services where patients with cardiovascular disease seek for medical care, reducing the risk of cross-infection.

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Castro,Renata Rodrigues Teixeira, Silveira Neto,João Giffoni da, Alves,Leonardo de Souza Moreira, Moreno,Adalgiza Mafra, Orsini,Marco, Castro,Roberta Rodrigues Teixeira
Format: Digital revista
Language:English
Published: Instituto Politécnico de Viseu (IPV) 2021
Online Access:http://scielo.pt/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0873-30152021000100011
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!