Omaha System

The Omaha System is a comprehensive, standardized taxonomy designed to enhance the quality and consistency of health care documentation. It is widely used in community health and public health settings to facilitate the assessment, intervention, and evaluation of health care services. The system was developed in the 1970s by the Visiting Nurse Association of Omaha, Nebraska, and has since been adopted internationally.

History

The Omaha System was initiated in 1975 by the Visiting Nurse Association of Omaha to address the need for a structured approach to documenting patient care. The system was developed through a collaborative effort involving nurses, educators, and researchers. It was first published in 1979 and has undergone several revisions to incorporate new research findings and user feedback.

Structure

The Omaha System is composed of three interrelated components:

1. Problem Classification Scheme

This component provides a comprehensive framework for identifying and categorizing health-related problems. It includes four domains:

• Environmental
• Psychosocial
• Physiological
• Health-related behaviors

Each domain contains specific problems that are further defined by signs and symptoms.

2. Intervention Scheme

The Intervention Scheme outlines the actions taken by health care providers to address identified problems. It includes four categories:

• Teaching, Guidance, and Counseling
• Treatments and Procedures
• Case Management
• Surveillance

Each category is further divided into specific interventions.

3. Problem Rating Scale for Outcomes

This component is used to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions. It measures outcomes in three areas:

• Knowledge
• Behavior
• Status

Each area is rated on a five-point scale, allowing for the assessment of changes over time.

Applications

The Omaha System is utilized in various health care settings, including home health care, public health, and school health programs. It supports electronic health records (EHRs) and is compatible with other standardized terminologies such as SNOMED CT and ICD-10.

Benefits

The Omaha System offers several advantages:

• Enhances communication among health care providers
• Facilitates data collection and analysis
• Supports evidence-based practice
• Improves patient care outcomes

Challenges

Despite its benefits, the Omaha System faces challenges such as the need for ongoing training and the integration with existing health information systems.

Also see

• Nursing diagnosis
• Standardized nursing language
• Electronic health record
• Public health nursing

References

• Martin, K. S. (2005). The Omaha System: A Key to Practice, Documentation, and Information Management. Elsevier Health Sciences.
• Monsen, K. A., & Martin, K. S. (2002). The Omaha System: Applications for Community Health Nursing. Saunders.