title: Introduction of auricular acupuncture in elderly patients suffering from major depression: protocol of a mixed methods feasibility study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Due to an increasing number of elderly people suffering from major depression and potential side effects of the prescribed drugs, the introduction of new therapeutic approaches is needed. Currently, in Germany, auricular acupuncture is no part of clinical care for gerontopsychiatric patients. Based on promising clinical experiences and existing evidence for treating addiction and trauma, a benefit of auricular acupuncture integrated in existing treatment programs in elderly patients may be hypothesized. Within this project auricular acupuncture according to the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) will be integrated in the multimodal treatment regime for elderly patients with major depression in a daytime ward setting.
  
  
  METHODS
  To evaluate the feasibility and acceptance a mixed method approach is used. In a day clinic, a sample of 20 psychogeriatric patients with the diagnosis of major depression will be enrolled. The patients will receive a total of nine auricular acupuncture treatments according to the standardized NADA protocol in a group setting. The therapeutic process, its organization, the experience, and the willingness of patients to participate will be evaluated by interviews with patients and the therapeutic team. Data will be analyzed qualitatively using content analysis. Additionally, quantitative outcome parameters will be measured by standardized questionnaires.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstraße 14, 72076 Tübingen, Germany ; Geriatric Center at the University Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstraße 14, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
authors.forename: Janina
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Geib
authors.affiliation: Institute for Occupational and Social Medicine, and Health Services Research, University of Tübingen, Wilhelmstraße 27, 72074 Tübingen, Germany ; Coordination Centre, Core Facility for Health Services Research, Faculty of Medicine, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Wilhelmstraße 27, 72074 Tübingen, Germany.
authors.forename: Monika A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Rieger
authors.affiliation: Department of General Practice, University of Tübingen, Österbergstraße 9, 72074 Tübingen, Germany.
authors.forename: Stefanie
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-5810-529X
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Joos
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstraße 14, 72076 Tübingen, Germany ; Geriatric Center at the University Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstraße 14, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
authors.forename: Gerhard W
authors.initials: GW
authors.lastname: Eschweiler
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstraße 14, 72076 Tübingen, Germany ; LEAD Graduate School, University of Tübingen, Gartenstraße 29a, 72074 Tübingen, Germany.
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Dresler
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstraße 14, 72076 Tübingen, Germany ; Geriatric Center at the University Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstraße 14, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
authors.forename: Florian G
authors.initials: FG
authors.lastname: Metzger
mesh_terms: D015669:Acupuncture Points; D020831:Acupuncture, Ear; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome