Can a simple 'cost-awareness' campaign for laparoscopic hysterectomy change the use and costs of disposable surgical supplies? Pre-post non-controlled study.

Objectives: Does a cost-awareness campaign for gynaecologists lead to a change in use and costs of disposable surgical supplies for laparoscopic hysterectomy (LH) without increasing hospital utilisation measures (operating room (OR) time or hospital length of stay (LOS))?

Design: Pre-post non-controlled study. The OR database was used to identify relevant cases before and after the cost-awareness intervention, and provided information on quantity of each supply item, operative details and LOS.

Setting: Lois Hole Hospital for Women, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Does Cost Influence the Choice of Disposable Versus Reusable Instruments? Mailed Survey of Obstetrician/Gynaecologists.

Objective: A "cost-awareness" campaign was undertaken at a tertiary hospital from 2015 to 2016 to raise awareness about costs of disposable versus reusable instruments in laparoscopic procedures. We undertook a before and after survey of obstetrician/gynecologists (Ob/Gyns) to find out if the campaign had affected their attitudes about choosing disposable versus less expensive reusable instruments.

Methods: In 2015 (before the cost-awareness campaign) and 2017 (after the cost-awareness campaign), all full-time university-associated Ob/Gyns were mailed a cover letter, questionnaire, and coffee card ($5) with a postage-paid return envelope.