Publication Name	World Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery
Manuscript ID	112238
Country	China

Category	Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Manuscript Type	Retrospective Cohort Study
Article Title	Impact of “four-step” death education on life quality and negative emotions in advanced esophageal cancer patients and families
Manuscript Source	Unsolicited Manuscript
All Author List	Li-Li Wen, Jian-Yu Li and Shu-Ying Zhang
Funding Agency and Grant Number
Corresponding Author	Shu-Ying Zhang, Department of Pain Rehabilitation, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, No. 12 Jiankang Road, Shijiazhuang 050011, Hebei Province, China. 48401015@hebmu.edu.cn
Key Words	Advanced esophageal cancer; Death education; Quality of life; Caregiver burden; Negative emotions; Palliative care
Core Tip	This study evaluated the impact of “four-step death education” intervention on the quality of life and negative emotions of postoperative patients with advanced esophageal cancer and their caregivers. The intervention, which included information provision, emotional support, life review, meaning exploration, and end-of-life care preparation, showed improvements in quality of life, reduced caregiver burden, and alleviated anxiety and depression. Key mechanisms involved knowledge empowerment, emotional release, meaning creation, and collaborative end-of-life planning. These findings suggest that incorporating such death education into standard palliative care may enhance the overall well-being of patients and families facing terminal illness, though further research is needed.
Citation	Wen LL, Li JY, Zhang SY. Impact of “four-step” death education on life quality and negative emotions in advanced esophageal cancer patients and families. World J Gastrointest Surg 2025; In press

Received	2025-08-19 08:46
Peer-Review Started	2025-08-19 08:46
To Make the First Decision
Return for Revision	2025-09-04 06:39
Revised	2025-09-26 09:15
Second Decision	2025-11-18 01:39
Accepted by Journal Editor-in-Chief
Accepted by Executive Editor-in-Chief	2025-11-18 07:23
Articles in Press	2025-11-18 07:23
Publication Fee Transferred	2025-10-11 06:52
Edit the Manuscript by Language Editor
Typeset the Manuscript

ISSN	1948-9366 (online)
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