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Supervisors

Nagasaki University

• Lead: Assoc. Prof. (lina.madaniyazi@nagasaki-u.ac.jp)
• Assoc Prof. (yamanashi@nagasaki-u.ac.jp)

LSHTM 

• Prof. Susannah Mayhew

Project

Drones have emerged as a promising tool for healthcare delivery in remote and hard-to-reach areas, offering efficient transportation of time-sensitive supplies like defibrillators and medicines. In geographically isolated regions such as Goto Island, Japan, drones improve logistics by bypassing challenging terrain. However, to be effective in the long term, integrating such technology requires sustainable funding, regulatory alignment, and public acceptance.

Alongside drones, telemedicine—delivered through mobile clinics—offers new opportunities to enhance healthcare access by providing remote consultations, chronic disease management, and preventive care. Mobile clinics supported by drone-delivered supplies can fill healthcare service gaps, reducing dependence on physical infrastructure and ensuring continuity of care. The combination of drone logistics and telemedicine holds significant potential to transform healthcare delivery in remote regions like Goto Island.

This study aims to assess the effectiveness and sustainability of drone and telemedicine integration in improving healthcare delivery on Goto Island. It will explore operational efficiency, health outcomes, and user acceptance to determine whether these technologies can serve as scalable models for other remote areas.

Objectives

Coordination and Logistics

• How are drone deliveries and telemedicine services coordinated, and what role do local facilities and communities play?
• How do mobile clinics complement drone operations in managing chronic and emergency care?

Funding and Sustainability

• What are the costs and funding sources for drone and telemedicine services?
• Is the model financially sustainable for long-term use?

Scope and Suitability

• Can these technologies address a range of healthcare needs, including chronic care, emergency response, and preventive services?

Collaboration with Local Health Providers

• How do healthcare providers and telemedicine platforms coordinate patient care?
• Are embedded healthcare workers involved, or are health needs assessed remotely?

Methodology

This study will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative interviews with stakeholders (healthcare providers, drone operators, telemedicine providers, and residents) and quantitative analysis of operational and health outcome data.

The role of LSHTM and NU in this collaborative project

The student will be based primarily in Nagasaki, with a minimum of six months at LSHTM for training, data analysis, and supervisory guidance.

Susannah Mayhew will offer a comprehensive training program and in-depth supervision of study design and methodology.

Hiromoto Yamanashi and Lina Madaniyazi will facilitate data collection and offer expertise in data analysis and facilitate the communication with local stakeholders.

Particular prior educational requirements for a student undertaking this project

Ideally, the student would possess a Master’s level qualification in public health, or epidemiology. However, candidates with another Master’s level qualification, as long as it includes a robust epidemiological and/or public health component, will also be considered.

Skills we expect a student to develop/acquire whilst pursuing this project

This PhD project will equip the student with expertise in data analysis and logistics management, focusing on optimizing drone and telemedicine integration for remote healthcare. The student will gain insights into health system resilience, community engagement, and policy alignment, while developing skills to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams.