Overcoming Geography With Technology: Medical Drones Project
Use of Unmanned Air Vehichles (Medical Drones) to Overcome Geographical Barriers to Delivery of Antiretrovial Therapy and Biological Samples.
1 other identifier
observational
1,450
1 country
1
Brief Summary
In this study, the investigators shall evaluate the use unmanned air vehicles (medical drones) to deliver ART to adult patients eligible/enrolled in community DSD models in Bufumira Islands, Kalangala district. The geography of the islands is ideal for this project because of the flat landscape and water coverage. The investigators hypothesize that the use of drones would be acceptable to patients and stakeholders, reduce facility drug stock outs, increase retention in care by 10% in intervention (at 12 months) compared to the control health centres and be cost neutral (to the patients and health sector perspectives). The investigators will also undertake evaluation of an efficient sample delivery system using medical drones especially for expansive rural areas like Moyo and Adjumani.
Trial Health
Trial Health Score
Automated assessment based on enrollment pace, timeline, and geographic reach
participants targeted
Target at P75+ for all trials
Started Sep 2021
Shorter than P25 for all trials
1 active site
Health score is calculated from publicly available data and should be used for screening purposes only.
Trial Relationships
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Study Timeline
Key milestones and dates
Study Start
First participant enrolled
September 22, 2021
CompletedFirst Submitted
Initial submission to the registry
December 14, 2021
CompletedFirst Posted
Study publicly available on registry
March 2, 2022
CompletedPrimary Completion
Last participant's last visit for primary outcome
March 22, 2022
CompletedStudy Completion
Last participant's last visit for all outcomes
June 30, 2022
CompletedMarch 2, 2022
February 1, 2022
6 months
December 14, 2021
February 15, 2022
Conditions
Keywords
Outcome Measures
Primary Outcomes (1)
Acceptability for ART delivery as reported using qualitative methods with key stakeholders including health care workers, district officials, people living with HIV
To assess acceptability of medical drone use for ART in Kalangala as compared to boat delivery through qualitative assessment including focus group discussions and in depth interviews with key stakeholders including district officials, health care workers, people living with HIV
24 months
Secondary Outcomes (6)
Feasibility of medical drones for ART delivery to peer support workers using number of successful flights delivering ART
24 months
Retention in care as determined by attendance for ART refils at health facility or peer support group meetings in Bufumira health centre (with drone delivery) as compared to Mazinga health centre (with boat only)
12 months
Cost of ART transport by boat as compared to drone based on actual costs of fuel and staff time
24 months
Acceptability for use of medical drone to move COVID samples as reported using qualitative methods
24 months
Turnaround times of COVID samples from arrival in receiving laboratory to results returned to receiving laboratory delivered by medical drone as compared to by land transport
24 months
- +1 more secondary outcomes
Study Arms (3)
PLHIV Kalangala District
250 People living with HIV registered for care at Bufumira Health Centre and Mazinga Health Centre, Kalangala District
NonPHLIV Kalangala District
100 People not living with HIV attending for medical services at Bufumira Health Centre and Mazinga Health Centre, Kalangala District
COVID Suspects Moyo District
1200 people attending for COVID tests at Moyo Hospital
Interventions
Use of an Unmanned ariel vehicle for medical delivery (drugs and samples)
Eligibility Criteria
People attending health centres in Bufumira and Mazinga sub-county will be approached for inclusion in the study. In Moyo, those with COVID symptoms will be approached.
You may qualify if:
- Adult (\>18 years) or emancipated minor (15-17 years) who is HIV-infected and receiving antiretroviral therapy in Bufumira sub-county or non PLHIV adult who has attended a government health facility in Bufumira sub-county
- Resident in Kalangala district for at least the preceding 12 months with an intent to stay for a minimum next 12 months (resident is defined as those who spend more than 9 out of 12 months per year in Kalangala district, even if they move within the district)
- Evidence of a personally signed and dated informed consent document indicating that the subject (or a legal representative) has been informed of all pertinent aspects of the study.
- Willingness to comply with survey procedures
You may not qualify if:
- Patients with mental illness or any other medical condition that compromises decision making process.
- Any other clinical condition that, in the opinion of the site investigator, would make the participant unsuitable for the study or unable to comply with joining a DSD group.
Contact the study team to confirm eligibility.
Sponsors & Collaborators
- Makerere Universitylead
- Johnson & Johnsoncollaborator
- Rakai Health Sciences Programcollaborator
Study Sites (1)
Infectious Diseases Institute
Kampala, Uganda
MeSH Terms
Conditions
Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)
Study Officials
- PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Rosalind Parkes-Ratanshi, PhD
Infectious Diseases Institute
Central Study Contacts
Study Design
- Study Type
- observational
- Observational Model
- COHORT
- Time Perspective
- PROSPECTIVE
- Sponsor Type
- OTHER
- Responsible Party
- SPONSOR
Study Record Dates
First Submitted
December 14, 2021
First Posted
March 2, 2022
Study Start
September 22, 2021
Primary Completion
March 22, 2022
Study Completion
June 30, 2022
Last Updated
March 2, 2022
Record last verified: 2022-02