Background Patients with advanced cancer and their family members tend not to adequately communicate with each other about the end of life in Japan. Previous studies have clarified that the obstacles for conversation are mostly posed by family members. Thus, the authors developed a nursing program for family members of patients with advanced cancer to promote End of Life Discussion (EOLD). This study aimed to clarify changes in EOLD between patients and their family members after implementation of the nursing program.

Methods The researchers performed three interview sessions, based on the manual for nursing practices and the guidebook for family members, which were established by the researchers. The interviews were recorded, and the data was analyzed qualitatively and inductively. This study was conducted with approval by the Ethical Review Board of the affiliated institution of the researcher.

Results The research participants were ten family members of patients with advanced cancer (seven females, forty to eighty-nine years of age). The twelve categories were extracted regarding changes in EOLD between patients and their family members, including the following: They realized the necessity to discuss the end of life. They were able to discuss subjects that they had been concerned about. They wrote down what they discussed. They were highly motivated to continue talking about the end of life.

Conclusion This research clarified that varied effects on the promotion of EOLD can be expected from this nursing program according to the situation and conversation of each patient and their family members.