Drive Time Analysis of New Gynecologic Oncology Patients at West Virginia University
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Introduction: West Virginia is a rural mountain state; access to medical care, especially specialty care, can be difficult for patients. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to analyze the geographic status and transportation times of new gynecologic oncology patients. Methods: Home zip codes for new patient gynecologic oncology patients were analyzed for drive times to the cancer center. Zip codes of oncology providers in the state were compared to the location of patients. Results: A total of 1,097 new gynecologic oncology patients lived within a 240-minute drive of MBRCC; nearly half (48.9%) of them drove greater than 60 minutes. There are large geographical areas of West Virginia without an oncology practice location. Implications: West Virginians face barriers to gynecologic oncology care secondary to drive times.
Source: PubMed
DOI: 10.13023/jah.0701.08
Authors: Whitfield, Kassandra, Cohen, Ariel, Pfaendler, Krista, Ward, Kristy
Institution: West Virginia University
Language: English
Subfield: Economics and Econometrics
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W4410875874