Diagnostic procedures in infrared thermography for the human face: a scoping review protocol

Abstract

ABSTRACT Purpose: to present the scoping review protocol that will describe the diagnostic procedures used in infrared thermography to evaluate the human face. Methods: based on the Joanna Briggs Institute and PRISMA-ScR checklist, with the mnemonic: population (P) - human face, concept (C) - infrared thermography, and context (C) - diagnostic procedures in infrared thermography for the human face. The methodological structure will have six stages. The PubMed, LILACS, SciELO, BBO, Web of Science, EMBASE, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Grey Literature Report databases will be searched, with no restriction on time or language. The review will include qualitative and quantitative studies. Two reviewers will independently select studies and extract data. Results will be analyzed using a variable approach. Conclusion: this scoping review protocol followed the methodological precepts and is apt to be carried out. It will serve as the basis for other scoping reviews. Conducting a scoping review is important and the prior publication of the scoping review protocol is essential to make the review process transparent.