The use of drones for the delivery of diagnostic test kits and medical supplies to remote First Nations communities during Covid-19.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Health care inequity in remote and rural Indigenous communities often involves difficulty accessing health care services and supplies. Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems, or drones, offer a potentially cost-effective method for reducing inequity by removing geographic barriers, increasing timeliness, and improving accessibility of supplies, equipment, and remote care.

Methods

We assessed the feasibility of drones for delivery of supplies, medical equipment, and medical treatment across multiple platforms, including drone fleet development and testing; payload system integration (custom fixed-mount, winch, and parachute); and medical delivery simulations (COVID-19 test kit delivery and return, delivery of personal protective equipment, and remote ultrasound delivery

SUBMITTER: Flemons K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9329072 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature