Understanding the viability of drone logistics for assisting pathology transportation: a case study in Dorset, UK

Integrating drones into medical logistics could improve patient care through expedited delivery from remote areas, whilst reducing the NHS’ environmental impact. This research assesses the feasibility of integrating drones into fixed-round van pathology logistics. Historical data on patient diagnostic collections were analysed from 72 GP surgeries in Dorset, UK, delivering to three hospitals. The impact on van numbers, CO2 emissions, time, distance and cost from introducing drones to serve specific surgeries were quantified using optimisation techniques. The results suggested that introducing 5 drones serving 13 surgeries removed 4 vans, decreased daily CO2 emissions by 77 kg and mileage by 51% but to the detriment of overall daily cost, which increased by 58%. The surgeries served by drones experienced an 83% reduction in average sample delivery time over business-as-usual, with potential positive impacts on bleed-to-diagnosis times.