Type of contribution:Scoping Review Death Readiness among Terminally Ill Patients: A Scoping Review

Objective: To conduct a comprehensive review of relevant studies on the readiness for death of terminally ill patients at home and abroad, and systematically analyze their influencing factors, assessment tools, and intervention strategies. Design: Scoping review. Data sources: Systematic searches were performed in two Chinese databases (CNKI, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database) and six English databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL) from their inception until May 13, 2025. Method: Two reviewers independently retrieved full-text studies and conducted the initial screening of titles and abstracts, followed by full-text analysis and data extraction. In case of any disagreement, the final decision was reached with participation of a third investigator. Result: A total of 17 articles were included in this review. 5 reports on the influencing factors of death readiness were presented. The investigated influencing factors covered sociodemographic factors, individual factors, and environmental factors. It involves 5 death readiness assessment scales, primarily evaluating psychological aspects, quality of life, and attitude towards death. 1 paper on the development of the model of death preparation. 10 studies reported interventions for death preparedness, primarily including Meaning-centered positive psychological intervention, palliative care, reminiscence therapy, and death education. Conclusion: Based on the scope review method, this study sorted out the main influencing factors of death readiness of dying patients, and proposed that the existing intervention measures should be improved in combination with these factors, so as to improve the level of death readiness of dying patients. In the future, it is necessary to develop multi-dimensional assessment tools adapted to local culture to support the formulation of individualized intervention strategies, so as to improve the death readiness of dying patients as a whole and promote their good death. Impact: This review clarifies the key gaps in the study of death readiness of dying patients, and provides a theoretical basis and practical direction for the development of targeted assessment tools and personalized intervention strategies. Report format: Follow the PRISMA Extension (PrisMA-SCR) guidelines for scope definition review, and use a literature screening flowchart to present the search and inclusion process. Patient or public contribution: No.