Impact of Cancer-Related Virtual Visits on Travel Distance, Travel Time, and Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) Emissions during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Manitoba, Canada.

ABSTRACT: CancerCare Manitoba (CCMB) introduced virtual visits at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic to replace many in-person visits. This study examines the impact of virtual visits for cancer care on travel distance, travel time, and carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions. We included all visits to CCMB for invasive and in situ cancers from 1 April 2020 to 31 December 2022. Data were extracted from CCMB's electronic health record. The percentage of visits done virtually by month was reported by age, gender, cancer diagnosis, and regional health authority of residence. Postal codes for patients' residences and clinic locations were converted into latitude and longitude values. Travel distance, travel time, and CO₂ emissions associated with travel were estimated. The percentage of

SUBMITTER: Lambert P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10378106 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature