DrUBER
Research type
Research Study
Full title
DrUBER: Drone Network for Medical Emergency Delivery in Essex
IRAS ID
343691
Contact name
Shabnam Sadeghi Esfahlani
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Anglia Ruskin University
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 12 months, days
Research summary
Our study explores the potential of using drones via DrUBER to enhance emergency healthcare services by facilitating the swift and secure delivery of vital medical supplies, such as defibrillators (AEDs) and blood, to address challenges related to availability and distribution. DrUBER competes directly with established road-based supply infrastructure, striving to provide faster delivery in emergencies, particularly where road-based supply is too slow and drone-based supply becomes the only feasible option.
We envision establishing a network of drones employing a 'ride-hailing' concept to connect patients and medical supplies and services in emergencies with medical institutions such as hospitals, pharmacies, GPs, and medical laboratories to deliver defibrillators, medication, insulin, and more, catering to both business-to-consumer (B2C) and business-to-business (B2B) needs.
B2C needs involve providing emergency healthcare services directly to patients, while B2B needs to facilitate the exchange of medical supplies and services between medical institutions, such as hospitals, pharmacies, and laboratories.
This will be achieved by developing a comprehensive multi-drone network tailored to the specific needs of B2C and B2B, focusing on scenarios characterized by the NHS trust. Our study aims to provide valuable insights into the feasibility and potential benefits of using drones for emergency medical services to improve healthcare delivery in the future.
The project involves a rigorous research methodology, combining questionnaire surveys and interviews to gather comprehensive data and insights. Depending on their category, participants may be asked to complete questionnaires online or participate in interviews conducted via video conferencing platforms like TEAMS/Zoom. This approach ensures diverse perspectives and allows for in-depth exploration of the research questions.
B2B questions focus on understanding medical institutions' needs for exchanging supplies/services, addressing logistical challenges, and identifying key features for efficient transactions. B2C questions aim to assess the feasibility of DrUBER for emergency medical delivery, including identifying critical situations, integrating with emergency call systems, and facilitating communication between doctors and patients during emergencies.REC name
London - Surrey Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/PR/0852
Date of REC Opinion
1 Aug 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion