PARIS, Ill. (WTWO/WAWV) — Grant funding from Indiana State University will help reduce human error in patient data collection through the purchase of new vital signs monitors at Horizon Health.
Horizon said the four new monitors will be wall-mounted, and automatically import patient health data directly into their electronic health record.
“It’s a time-saver for staff,” Inpatient Services Director Darcie Mathews said. “It enhances patient safety by eliminating the possibility of human error when data is entered manually.”
The funding was given to Horizon Health as part of the Sycamore Physician Assistant Rural Care (SPARC) program, where the hospital provides clinical training for students. The funds come from a $1.4M grant from the federal Health Resources and Services Administration, that was awarded with the goal of improving physician assistant training in rural and medically underserved areas of Indiana and Illinois.
“Our staff and physicians are beyond grateful for this donation, which helps us provide effective and efficient care to our patients,” Horizon Health Chief Nursing Officer Rachel Kelley said. “We are always happy to host and help local students gain educational opportunities with mentoring by our amazing staff. Our doors are open to host student rotations as well.”
“This partnership is huge,” SPARC Grant Coordinator at ISU’s College of Health and Human Services Beth Loudermilk said. “We asked HRSA if we could expand into Illinois because of Horizon Health. This is a great opportunity for our students and the Paris community.”
