Keywords: drones, UAVs, telemedicine, rural medicine, healthcare innovations

Background:

Drones have, literally and figuratively, taken off in the past decade. Their potential to support vital public services frequently makes headlines, highlighting the capability of drones to fill in logistical gaps – the ‘last-mile hurdles’ that limit current transport fleets, particularly in rural or isolated communities. However, despite numerous trials and promising test flights, few routine and reliable drone-based services have been established in healthcare settings, the reason for which is yet unknown

Aim of the study:

Our research question addresses this gap, interrogating the literature to identify barriers to operationalising drones in healthcare services internationally

Methodology:

We worked with a specialist medical librarian to develop a strategy for a qualitative and non-systematic literature review. We identified key grey and published literature using search terms (and their combinations) such as: “drone*”, “UAV*”, “healthcare”, and “health* provision*”. Case examples were collated and analysed for factors influencing drone integration using Greenhalgh’s NASSS framework to understand the reasons behind success or failure.

Results:

We identified that African countries are current world-leaders in drone implementation, wherein drones successfully supply vast areas, including rural communities, with bloods and medications. Associated health outcomes improved, such as vaccine availability and decreased wastage. Elsewhere, drone trials have shown improved efficiencies, such as transportation times, environmental impact, turn-around of clinical decisions, and economical costs. However, complete drone implementation is still challenged by lack of regulatory airspace support, operational safety concerns, and workforce acceptability.

Conclusions:

Case examples teach these barriers can be overcome with an approach tailored to adapt local guidelines and parameters to drone projects - as seen in those taking off in Africa and India. However, this will not be an easy path to follow. Further research can expand and consolidate additional findings from both studies and the real world.