Lay summary
There is currently wide geographic variability in access to oncology clinical trials in New Zealand, with smaller hospitals and rural New Zealand having least access. Clinical trials are important to improve outcomes for patients with cancer. Decentralised clinical trials (DCTs) aim to improve equity of access by allowing patients the opportunity to participate in trials without the requirement for travel, which comes at a financial and time cost to patients and the healthcare system. The DCT model enables patients to continue to receive care locally, without removing them from their whānau and support systems. This project implements the Cancer Molecular Screening and Therapeutics Programme to explore and adapt the DCT model to New Zealand needs. Our study will identify barriers and enablers to the implementation and participation in DCTs in Northland and Canterbury, and focus on the experience for whānau Māori, Pasifika and patients living rurally to shape this and future DCTs.