Evaluating the Short-term Environmental and Clinical Effects of a Radiation Oncology Department's Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many radiation oncology departments worldwide adopted the use of shorter and more intense hypofractionated regimens. Hospital foot traffic was reduced through virtual care. This study's primary objective was to assess the collective environmental effect of these strategic changes by identifying sources of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO₂e). The rate of radiation-related adverse events from the increased use of hypofractionated treatments was assessed.

Methods and materials

All patients treated with external beam radiation therapy from April 1, 2019, to March 31, 2021, at our single institution were identified (n = 10,175) along with their radiation therapy visits (176,423 fractions) and unplanned visits to the radiation nursing

SUBMITTER: Cheung R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9598491 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature