PREFACE
This book is intended to help you understand and use the Omaha System. The book includes the terms, definitions, and basic principles of the Omaha System; the benefits of using the System; and examples that are relevant in Turkey today. The authors of this book and their colleagues at the Istanbul University Florence Nightingale Nursing Faculty, Istanbul are Omaha System experts( Erdogan et al, 2013). In 2000, they became interested in the Omaha System, translated publications, and developed case studies to use with students. Since then, their Omaha System involvement has evolved extensively.
What is the Omaha System? It is a research-based, comprehensive standardized terminology or classification that is described in this book. It is relatively simple, hierarchical, multidimensional, and computer-compatible. It consists of three relational components designed to be used together at the point-of-care: the Problem Classification Scheme( assessment), the Intervention Scheme( care plans and services), and the Problem Rating Scale for Outcomes( evaluation). The three components are fully integrated( Martin, 2005; Omaha System Web site, 2014).
The Omaha System was developed at the Visiting Nurse Association of Omaha, Nebraska, USA as a collaborative effort between multidisciplinary clinicians and researchers. The agency’ s executive director envisioned a computerized management information system that incorporated an integrated, valid, and reliable clinical information system focused on patients who received services, not the clinicians who provided services. Those clinicians included nurses, social workers, therapists, and registered dieticians who provided home care, hospice, public health, clinic, school health, and wellness center services.
Four rigorous research studies were conducted between 1975 and 1993, and funded by national research organizations. The studies were designed to develop and refine the Omaha System, and to establish its reliability, validity, and usability( Martin, 2005). Nurses and other clinicians employed at the Visiting Nurse Association of Omaha and seven diverse test sites located throughout the USA participated; they used the Omaha System while they provided care to their actual patients.
The Omaha System was designed to be used by nurses and other clinicians to organize, collect, aggregate, and analyze patients’ data from admission to discharge. It supports evidence-based / best practice, quality improvement, critical thinking, and communication. It is based on a model that reflects the pivotal position of the individual, family, and community; the partnership with clinicians; and the value of the problem-solving process. The Omaha System is intended to enhance practice, documentation, and information management.
The Omaha System was initially developed in a community practice setting; it is now implemented across the continuum of care. It is estimated that more than 22,000 multidisciplinary clinicians use the Omaha System( Omaha System Web site, 2014). User sites include home care, public health, and school health practice settings; nurse-managed center staff; hospital-based and managed care case managers; educators and students; occupational health nurses; faith community staff; acute care and rehabilitation hospital / long-term care staff; researchers; members of various disciplines; and software developers.
The Omaha System is appropriate for individuals, families, and communities who represent all ages, ge-
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