Retained items (eg, sponges, sharps) after surgical procedures are reportable errors that can result in patient harm or death and increased patient and health care system costs. Perioperative use of radiofrequency (RF) technology may decrease the number of retained sponges and reduce hospital costs. We sought to determine whether the use of RF technology may be associated with fewer retained sponges, improved patient outcomes, and decreased hospital costs. We completed a retrospective evaluation of incident reports before and after implementing the use of an RF system for retained surgical sponges. We found that using RF technology was associated with fewer retained sponges and improved outcomes at our facility. We also determined that mortality rates before and after RF technology implementation were similar, and we estimated that our hospital’s costs were reduced.

Background and Purpose: Stroke is the 3 rd leading cause of death in women and a leading cause of irreversible disability. Physical changes occur during menopause, increasing risk factors for coronary artery disease and stroke. Baby Boomers coming of age will increase the incidence of stroke in the female population. The direct and indirect cost of cardiovascular disease and stroke total more than $320.1 billion a year. The purpose of this research is to make evident, a preventive cardiovascular screening program completed at menopause will decrease mortality and irreversible harm in post-menopausal women; evaluate and compare the healthcare savings for preventive care versus post-stroke treatment; to gain support for further research in menopausal changes, preventive screenings and stroke and to establish support of legislators and insurance companies. Methods: A quantitative and systematic literature review was conducted. Six thousand women reach menopause every day, totaling 2,190,000 a year. An odds ratio of 1:1 participation in the screening was calculated at a probable variable. One in five of these women will have a stroke in their lifetime. A variable of 20% stroke prevention rate, based on pre-screening and subsequent treatment was assigned (n=43,800). Individual cost of care post-stroke estimates at (n=$42,767). A cost-benefit analysis was completed on post-stroke care versus preventive screening costs (n=$1468), based on current preventive program costs. Results: The analysis indicated (n=43,800) women will avoid stroke and/or disability due to cardiovascular preventive screening and warranted treatment versus (n=219,000) who will have a stroke without these measures. This equates to healthcare savings of $253,997,547 a year. Conclusions: Quantitative and systematic literature review and the cost-benefit analysis indicates preventive screenings at menopause will save lives, decrease irreversible disability and healthcare costs. A randomized controlled clinical trial is necessary to further substantiate the significance of preventive screenings and early cardiovascular interventions in menopausal women.