Experiences of Chinese advanced cancer patients after attending a "four-stage" death education programme: A qualitative study

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the experiences of cancer patients who participated in and completed a "four-stage" death education programme based on knowledge-attitude-practice theory. Methods: This study employed a qualitative descriptive design. Semistructured interviews with an interview guide were used to collect data. Fifteen cancer patients who participated in and completed the "four-stage" death education programme (from November 10, 2021, to December 29, 2021) were recruited via purposive sampling. The "four-stage" death education programme model was developed based on knowledge-attitude-practice theory and included eight death education modules. Each interview was audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Generic analysis was used to conduct data analysis by coding, classifying, and extracting themes.Results: Five themes were identified: the gradual shift of death cognition towards objective reality, a decrease in death anxiety, patients' early thoughts concerning issues related to death and preparation ahead of death, pa-tients' improved ability to respond to death incidents, and patients' increased focus on cherishing the remainder of their lives and living in the moment.Conclusions: Cancer patients accept and respond effectively to the implementation of a "four-stage" death edu-cation programme based on knowledge-attitude-practice theory. These findings can help cancer patients improve their reasonable perception of death and reduce their doubts and confusion concerning death.