An unexpected, albeit important result of the initiation of REMEDY recovery protocols at the pilot program at Yale-New Haven Hospital, was the graphic illustration of the amount of useful medical materials which were unnecessarily prepared for surgery. The REMEDY database was then used to measure the reduction in the wasting of unused supplies after the implementation of new O.R. policies. Through a coordinated effort, an almost one-third reduction was achieved, saving the hospital and patients more than $50,000 each year. Other REMEDY programs measured similar types of savings. It was also recognized that despite best efforts a significant amount of supplies are still recovered for overseas donation - the moderate over-preparation of surgical supplies is part of good surgical care. In general, the recovery of supplies "opens the eyes" of O.R. personnel as to the unnecessary wasting of medical supplies.
