Patient information leaflet feedback on delusional infestation

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry and Dermatology
• Patient Education
• Qualitative Research Methods

Background:

• Delusional infestation (Ekbom syndrome) is poorly understood and often met with skepticism.
• Patients and families face challenges with misinformation and lack of validation.
• A patient-centered approach is crucial for effective communication and support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a patient information leaflet (PIL) for delusional infestation.
• To assess the leaflet's usefulness in informing patients and validating their experiences.
• To gather patient feedback on a new resource for Ekbom syndrome.

Main Methods:

• A survey with a 10-point Likert scale was administered to 18 patients before appointments.
• The survey assessed leaflet clarity, usefulness, and validation of experiences.
• Descriptive statistics, factor analysis, and thematic analysis of written feedback were employed.

Main Results:

• The PIL was highly rated: 94% found it logical and easy to follow.
• 72% found the leaflet useful for understanding delusional infestation.
• 78% felt the leaflet validated their experiences, with mean scores above 7.6.

Conclusions:

• The patient-centered PIL for delusional parasitosis was well-received by patients.
• The leaflet shows potential as a valuable tool to improve communication and reduce stigma.
• Further research should investigate long-term impacts and applicability to other conditions.