Effects of Wildfire Events on California Radiation Oncology Clinics and Patients.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

The effect of climate-driven events, such as wildfires, on health care delivery and cancer care is a growing concern. Patients with cancer undergoing radiation therapy are particularly vulnerable to treatment interruptions, which have a direct effect on survival. We report the results of a study characterizing the effect of wildfires on radiation oncology clinics and their patients.

Methods and materials

A survey of California radiation oncologists was used to evaluate emergency preparedness and the effect of wildfires on the delivery of radiation therapy services between 2017 and 2022. Descriptive statistics and Pearson's χ² tests were performed to investigate potential relationships between provider characteristics, practice settings, and perceptions of

SUBMITTER: Lichter KE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10831805 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature