National Centre for Remote and Rural Health and Care Information Hub

A multi-methods research programme in cancer, musculoskeletal health and frailty

The BRUCES research programme is looking at why people living in rural areas often experience poorer health outcomes than those in urban areas, and how care can be improved to make things more equal. It focuses on three common long-term conditions—cancer, musculoskeletal problems, and frailty—to better understand how these affect people in rural communities.

Led by researchers at the University of Aberdeen and funded by the Chief Scientist’s Office https://Chief Scientist Office (scot.nhs.uk), the programme brings together academic experts, the National Centre for Remote and Rural Health and Care, and a wider advisory group. The National Centre plays an important role in helping to share findings and turn them into practical improvements.

The research combines detailed analysis of large healthcare datasets with real-life experiences. It looks at how people with these conditions use health services and includes interviews with patients living in rural areas to understand their experiences of care. It also gathers views from health and social care professionals who support them.

The findings are then explored further through workshops involving patients, carers, staff, managers, policymakers, and researchers to make sure the results are relevant and useful in practice.

Over five years, the programme will develop an action plan setting out the most effective ways to improve care and how these changes can be measured. The aim is to provide clear guidance for improving services locally and nationally, while also strengthening research into rural health in Scotland. Throughout the programme, there is a strong focus on involving patients and the public to ensure their experiences and perspectives shape the work.