A Study Protocol to Explore and Improve Access to Medical Services and Information for Recently Diagnosed Elderly Patients with Cancer in Rural Settings.

Introduction: This two-phase study seeks to contribute to research in the field of rural cancer health; specifically, the aim is to gain insight into the experiences of seeking, accessing and using information and health services throughout the cancer journey (diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care) for recently diagnosed (≤6 months) older patients (≥65 years) in rural areas.

Methods and analysis: Data will be collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews. In phase 1 (before 23^rd March 2020) interviews were conducted with healthcare professionals (HCP) to explore their experiences of delivering care to their elderly patients. In the second phase (starting January 2021) we will conduct interviews with cancer patients to understand the impact of COVID-19 and shielding on their experiences of being diagnosed, attending appointments and accessing and receiving support from community organisations and informal support from family and friends. Data gathered will be analysed using the Framework Method.

Ethics: The study has been approved by the Health Research Authority and the United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust. Initial favourable ethical opinion was granted on 1^st October 2019. Second favourable ethical opinion for amendments to reflect the impact of COVID-19 was received on 10^th August 2020. The study protocol has been registered on Research Registry.