Transportation assistance in gynecologic oncology: A pilot study.

Authors

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Anna Jo Bodurtha Smith

University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA

Anna Jo Bodurtha Smith, Kristina Powell, Meredith Doherty, Stefanie Hinkle, Justin E. Bekelman, Fiona Simpkins, Emily Meichun Ko

Organizations

University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, School of Social Policy & Practice, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, University of Pennsylvania Health System, Philadelphia, PA, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA

Research Funding

Other Foundation
Foundation for Women's Cancer, Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance

Background: Patients who experience transportation barriers to cancer care are less likely to receive optimal treatment and more likely to have delays in care. Our objective was to assess the prevalence of transportation barriers and the impact of a transportation intervention in gynecologic cancer care. Methods: We prospectively screen patients seen at new visits and at clinical trial enrollment in the 5 University of Pennsylvania gynecologic oncology practices for transportation barriers to cancer care. Patients who screen positive are referred to the intervention program, a ride-sharing service through RideHealth. Rides are available to and from clinic visits, to and from chemotherapy or radiation sessions, or to surgical procedures. There are no income or insurance restrictions on transportation assistance; per federal regulation, patients had to live within 40 miles of their oncology practice to receive transportation. Results: From June 2022 to April 2023, 1200 patients were screened. Of these, 34 screened positive for transportation barriers. All of those who screened positive accepted ride-sharing services. Two patients who screened positive were not eligible for ridesharing as they lived greater than 40 miles from our practices. Two patients who screened positive had transportation benefits available through their health insurance and were redirected to those services. We have provided 193 rides for 30 identified patients. The average length of ride was 9.2 miles (range 2.4-14), and the average cost per month was $1,200. Evaluation of clinical impact is ongoing. Conclusions: Transportation assistance is highly acceptable to patients and can facilitate access to cancer care.

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Abstract Details

Meeting

2023 ASCO Quality Care Symposium

Session Type

Poster Session

Session Title

Poster Session B

Track

Health Care Access, Equity, and Disparities,Technology and Innovation in Quality of Care,Palliative and Supportive Care

Sub Track

Interventions and Policies to Optimize Health Equity

Citation

JCO Oncol Pract 19, 2023 (suppl 11; abstr 206)

DOI

10.1200/OP.2023.19.11_suppl.206

Abstract #

206

Poster Bd #

F17

Abstract Disclosures

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