Zusammenfassung
Acupuncture is a popular complementary therapy choice for depression
in the UK but the evidence base lags behind its usage. Further effectiveness
trials are required; however, these need based on appropriate design
for a complex intervention on a heterogeneous group of people. Aim.
To identify subgroups of patients with depression who could be the
focus of effectiveness trials.Qualitative research using in-depth
interviews in UK primary care. In-depth interviews with 30 participants
from three stakeholder groups: 10 acupuncture patients and 10 acupuncturists-to
examine the reasons why acupuncture is used for depression and 10
physicians-to elicit who would be acceptable to refer into a trial
of acupuncture for depression. Interviews were transcribed and analysed
using a Framework approach.The data have highlighted that the acceptability
of particular treatments for depression is influenced by the individuals'
illness career within their social context. In addition, the plausibility
and associated acceptability of depression treatments are also closely
tied to an individuals' explanatory model of their condition. Seven
patient subgroups were identified who could potentially find acupuncture
of particular interest and on which effectiveness trials could be
focused.We have identified the main reasons why people seek acupuncture
for depression and the circumstances in which physicians would be
willing to refer for depression were it to prove effective. We have
also set out a number of potential patient subgroups who may be particularly
interested participating in a randomized controlled trail of acupuncture
for depression.
Nutzer