The Effects of a Nurse-Led PEACE Program on Perceived Peaceful End-of-Life and Quality of Life Among Head and Neck Cancer Patients Undergoing Concurrent Chemoradiation

Authors

Sirinya Pimvichai, Maha Vajiralongkorn Thanyaburi Hospital Department of Medical Services, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand,
Yaowarat Matchim, Faculty of Nursing, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, ThailandFollow
Tanadej Sinthusake, Maha Vajiralongkorn Thanyaburi Hospital Department of Medical Services, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand
Kiratiya Wongkalasin, Faculty of Nursing, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, Thailand

Abstract

Background: Evidence indicates that peaceful end-of-life care programs benefit terminally ill patients, with nurses playing a central role in program delivery. However, no structured end-of-life care programs currently exist for patients with head and neck cancer (HNC), who often experience profound physical and psychological distress. A nurse-led Peaceful End-of-Life Care (PEACE) program was therefore developed. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the PEACE program on perceived peaceful end-of-life (PEOL) and quality of life (QoL) among HNC patients undergoing concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT).

Methods: A quasi-experimental, two-group time-series design was conducted with 64 HNC patients recruited from oncology wards at a Thai cancer center. Participants were assigned to either the intervention group (n = 32), which received the nurse-led PEACE program, or the control group (n = 32), which received usual care. The program addressed pain relief, comfort, dignity, inner peace, and closeness to significant others. PEOL and QoL were measured at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and at 4- and 8-week follow-ups using the Peaceful end-of-life care scale: PEOLCS (CVI = 1.00, α = .96) and FACT-H&N (α = .97). Data were analyzed using mixed-model ANOVA.

Results: The intervention group reported significantly higher PEOL and QoL scores than the control group across all post-intervention time points (p < .05).

Conclusion: The nurse-led PEACE program effectively enhanced peacefulness and quality of life in HNC patients undergoing CCRT.

Keywords: Head and neck cancer, Nurse-led PEACE program, Peaceful end-of-life, Quality of life

Recommended Citation

Pimvichai S, Matchim Y, Sinthusake T, Wongkalasin K. The Effects of a Nurse-Led PEACE Program on Perceived Peaceful End-of-Life and Quality of Life Among Head and Neck Cancer Patients Undergoing Concurrent Chemoradiation. J Health Res. 2026; 40(1):-. DOI: https://doi.org/10.56808/2586-940X.1184

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