Effects of death education interventions on cancer patients in palliative care: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Xiaoling Zhang, Xifeng Xie, Huimin Xiao
Abstract
This review summarizes the best available evidence on the effects of death education in palliative care for cancer patients. A systematic literature review was conducted across 9 databases, revealing 22 eligible studies (N = 2,374). After two reviewers independently engaged in study selection, quality assessment, and data extraction, the results were synthesized through qualitative and quantitative analysis. Overall, the focus on death education for cancer patients showed an upward trend and consistently demonstrated significant positive effects with regards to the control of anxiety and depression, attitudes toward death, and quality of life. However, high-quality evidence regarding the effects of death education on cancer patients is lacking, warranting additional well-designed rigorous studies and standardized programs with specific and feasible steps.