Overview
The research is planned to deliver results from an analysis of rural accessibility and cancer survival in the form of an initial literature review followed by extensive secondary analysis of existing data. More specially the research will deliver results concerning the following hypothesises: <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = 'urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office' />
- Patients with poorer access to their doctor and cancer centre present later;
- Patients with poorer access receive different treatment;
- Patients with poorer access have a reduced chance of survival.
The specific objectives of the research are to test three hypothesises using secondary analysis of Cancer Registrations in the north of England. If the research is not undertaken there will be no evidence regarding the wider costs to society of centralising cancer treatment centres.
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The research will inform on the most appropriate transport solutions and/or location of key health services for the rural population. The results will be used by DfT to help tailor flexible community based integrated transport solutions in rural areas. The results will be used by DEFRA to develop policies that promote a 'living' rural community by ensuring fair access to services regardless of choice of residential location. The results will be used by the Department of Health to inform on the wider social costs of policies that have seen increasing reliance on centralising cancer treatment at specialist centres. The results will be used by HMT to examine the implications of the current distribution of resources across different geographic areas and between Government Departments.