Use of drone transportation in healthcare contexts: a rapid review of reviews

Background Unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, are increasingly being used in healthcare applications, particularly for transporting medical supplies and laboratory samples. Despite their demonstrated utility, integration into healthcare systems remains limited due to barriers at multiple levels. This rapid review of reviews synthesised the secondary literature to examine how drones have been used in healthcare, including their feasibility, acceptability, barriers, strategies and reported outcomes. Methods We searched MEDLINE and Embase from inception to January 2025 for review articles on drones in healthcare. We extracted data on items transported, feasibility, acceptability, barriers, strategies and outcomes/impacts. Barriers were analysed using the Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental and Legal (PESTEL) framework. Other domains were analysed using content analysis. Results A total of 1451 records were identified along with 19 additional articles from other sources. After screening, 19 articles were included. These reviews described drone use for delivering vaccines, medications, defibrillators, diagnostic tests and biological samples. Feasibility was consistently supported. Barriers were identified, including regulatory, financial and technical limitations. Strategies focused on improving regulation, infrastructure, training, public trust and technology. Reported benefits included faster emergency response, reduced transport times, cost savings and improved access, although health outcomes were not measured consistently. Conclusion This is the first global synthesis of review literature on use of drones in healthcare. While feasibility is well supported, real-world implementation remains limited. Future research should address regulatory challenges, equity considerations and the needs of rural and Indigenous communities to fully realise the potential of drones in healthcare delivery.