Drones and unmanned aerial systems (UAVs), or drones, have attracted a great deal of attention due to the potential they hold to increase access to care in rural areas. The use of drones for telemedicine has ethical, legal and financial implications.
Privacy concerns are one of the ethical implications when using drones for telemedicine. Drones used to collect health information can raise privacy issues. Therefore, it’s important to take the necessary steps to protect privacy. Drones used to deliver medical equipment is another ethical issue. This could raise concerns about prioritizing resources and providing access to healthcare.
Legal Implications: The use drones for telemedicine has legal implications. Regulations governing drone usage can vary from one country to another. The Federal Aviation Administration in the United States regulates drone use, and all telemedicine providers are required to adhere to FAA rules. Telemedicine providers are also required to comply with applicable healthcare laws such as HIPAA, which safeguards the security and privacy of patient information.
Use of drones for telemedicine could have financial consequences. Costs of drone acquisition and maintenance can be high, so telemedicine providers should ensure the costs do not exceed the benefits. In addition, drones used in telemedicine could require extra staff training. This can be costly.
In spite of these obstacles, drone telemedicine can significantly increase access to health care, particularly in rural and remote areas. Drones, for example, can be used as a way to send medical supplies into areas that have been affected by natural catastrophes. They could also transport samples of medical material to laboratories. The drones could also be used for teleconsultations between healthcare professionals.
The use of drones for telemedicine has ethical, legal and financial implications. With proper planning and regulations, drones can be used to improve healthcare access, particularly in remote areas and those that are underserved.
References: Aguilar, J. D., Parra-Arnau, J., de la Hoz, E., & Alonso, J. B. (2018). Drones for health care: Literature Review. Telemedicine and e-Health, 24(11), 833-838. doi: 10.1089/tmj.2017.0305
Bates, M. J., & Bagley, S. C. (2020). Ethical concerns and possible risks with remote and Telemedicine drone operations. American Journal of Bioethics, 20(3), 59-61. doi: 10.1080/15265161.2019.1705094
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