Project Overview
Creating local medical and entomological networks to serve individuals with suspected delusional infestation
Commodities
- Community and Urban Pest Management: commercial, hospitals/healthcare, institution/shelters/municipal buildings/public places, public health, residential/housing
- Human Health: workers, residents, applicators
Target Pests
- Target Pests: insects
Practices
- Pest Management: chemical control, pesticides, prevention
- Sustainable Communities: quality of life
Proposal abstract:
“Delusional infestation is a condition in which patients have a fixed, false belief that they are infested with living creatures, such as bugs, parasites, worms, or mites, or nonliving objects, such as fibers”. Individuals suffering from this condition sense “bugs” biting, stinging, crawling on or under their skin and in an attempt to remove the alleged parasites with fingernails and other sharp tools, create a repetitive cycle of wounds, scabs, and scars. Delusional infestation (DI) individuals may be responsible for the greatest misapplication of indoor pesticides as they attempt to rid the parasites with pesticides applied unsafely to their bodies and environment, thus potentially further irritating their skin. Those suffering from this condition often bring samples to the Extension agent, pest management professional or entomologist to determine the cause of their irritation. These professionals spend more time and have more repeat interactions with a suspected DI individual than with regular inquiries. Before the formation of The Southern Region Delusional Infestation Working Group (SRDIWG) created through a previous Southern IPM Center grant, nonmedical professionals (entomologists, Extension agents and pest management professionals [PMPs]) were frustrated with their inability to help DI sufferers. Through the creation of educational materials and delivery of this information through presentations to more than 672 attendees in 10 states, the SRDIWG has increased understanding of DI and the Extension agent’s and PMP’s role and confidence in referring these clientele to healthcare. However, 86% of Extension agents and PMPs lack a healthcare provider to refer these individuals. In addition, many primary care doctors and dermatologists are unfamiliar with this mental health condition or the secondary causes of delusional infestation. A review of the 2023 SRDIWG ranked priorities indicates our greatest need is to work with the healthcare community. Therefore, the SRDIWG proposes to create a local medical and entomological network by holding a conference to educate the healthcare community about this condition and treatment options, and to “brainstorm” how all professionals (Extension personnel, PMPs, dermatologists, psychiatrists, primary care physicians, etc.) affected by this condition can work together to bring those suffering from DI closer to remission. We will also document the process of creating these local medical and entomological networks so others can replicate the process. In addition to having better outcomes for the DI individual, Extension agents, pest management professionals and entomologists expect to see less repeat visits from suspected DI individuals.
Project objectives from proposal:
| Planned Outputs
What you plan on doing or making |
Anticipated Outcomes
What changes are expected to occur as a result |
Problem or priority targeted
What situation you are addressing |
| 1. Create a program planning committee consisting of the professionals affected by DI (healthcare professionals [dermatologist, primary care, and/or psychiatrist] pest management professional, Extension agent, and entomologist)
a. Create tentative agenda, invite speakers, and secure venue b. Contact potential stakeholders and invite to the meeting |
Stakeholders from unrelated fields will begin discussions to understand the needs of each group in assisting DI individuals. | The lack of communication between the nonhealthcare and the healthcare communities and the lack of communication between physical and mental healthcare has hindered individuals’ recovery from DI. This addresses the SRDIWG priorities 3,6,7,8,10 and 11. |
| 2. Conduct meeting for all invited stakeholders with morning of DI presentations and afternoon with brainstorming in how to create local networks | All fields of the medical community will be informed about DI by other members of the medical community to better understand their role in resolving DI. | Gives the medical community the steps they need to work with DI individuals. This addresses the SRDIWG priorities 3,6,7,8,10 and 11. |
| 3. Develop local DI networks | Means of communication between interested parties will be established | Informs the nonmedical community ways to effectively interact with the medical community and creates connections between different medical specialties to work together to help those with DI get closer to resolution. For instance, the formation of a psychodermtology clinic which allows patients with dermatological needs to be seen by a psychiatrist too. This addresses the SRDIWG priorities 3,6, 8,10 and 11. |
| 4. Keep the SRDIWG involved and informed as we meet each milestone | Since the development of local networks will require this process to be duplicated elsewhere, the SRDIWG members will be kept informed of all steps as they occur to keep them involved | Lack of communication in a working group can cause disinterest. Regular communications will strengthen the already established bond of the working group. |
| 5. Disseminate the successful process document/video recording of creating local networks to the remaining SRDIWG members in the southeast | Either a publication or a video recording of the entire process of creating local networks will be produced | Addresses the lack of medical and entomological networks and provides the directions for creating these networks elsewhere. |
| 6. Inform local PMPs, Extension agents, and the healthcare community of these local networks through newsletters and presentations | Create mailing lists/list serve to keep all parties informed of the networks and changes that occur. Make presentations as appropriate. | Creates awareness of the local networks |
