Effect of a Peaceful End-of-Life Care Program on Perceived Good Death in People With Advanced Cancer and Their Family Caregivers

Abstract

Early integration of palliative care benefits both people with advanced cancer and their family caregivers, yet research on holistic end-of-life care and advance care planning remains limited. The primary objective of this study was to examine the effect of a peaceful end-of-life care program on perceived good death outcomes in people with advanced cancer and their family caregivers. Secondary objectives included exploring the program's effect on the quality relationship and end-of-life care knowledge among family caregivers. In this quasi-experimental design with repeated measures, 122 participants were enrolled. On the basis of the Theory of the Peaceful End of Life, the experimental group received a 4-week program comprising health education, self-care for symptom management, advance care planning, psychosocial support, and family involvement plus standard care, whereas the control group received standard care alone. The Good Death Inventory was the primary measurement tool. The results showed a significant improvement in perceived good death, quality relationships, and end-of-life care knowledge in the experimental group, with no such improvements observed in the control group. The program improved good death outcomes, caregiver relationships, and end-of-life care knowledge. Therefore, early initiation of this program is recommended to optimize its benefits.