Experiences and Perceptions Within a Co-Created Drone Transport Initiative With Rural First Nation and Non-First
Audrey Warner1, Sandy Lee1, John Pawlovich1,2,3
1Department of Family Practice, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Journal of Participatory Medicine
|May 29, 2026
Summary
Drone delivery of medical supplies is a promising solution for improving healthcare access in rural British Columbia. This initiative fostered strong partnerships and community engagement, paving the way for future innovations.
Area of Science:
- Health innovation
- Rural health
- Indigenous health
Background:
- Rural British Columbia faces healthcare access inequities impacting well-being.
- Indigenous peoples possess holistic health knowledge but face colonization's impacts.
- Drone transport of medical supplies offers a solution to supply chain limitations in remote areas.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the feasibility of drones for medical supply transport in rural British Columbia.
- To understand the experiences and perceptions of the Drone Transport Initiative's Project Team.
Main Methods:
- Semistructured interviews were conducted with 20 Project Team members.
- Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and anonymized.
- Reflexive thematic analysis was used to interpret findings, with results shared among coauthors and community members.
Main Results:
- Participants reported positive experiences, highlighting challenges overcome.
- Key themes included building trust, mutual benefits, and effective partnerships.
- Community engagement led to acceptance and ownership, viewed as a foundational step for future projects.
Conclusions:
- The project demonstrates a health innovation grounded in relational approaches and partnerships.
- Rural and First Nations communities are key in co-creating solutions for social determinants of health.
- A relational foundation is crucial for co-creating, implementing, and sustaining drone projects with these communities.
Keywords:
First NationsIndigenouscommunity engagementhealth care accesshealth care innovationruraltechnologyMore Related Videos
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