Frequently Asked Questions

In the process of being updated...

1. Do I need to buy the Omaha System in order to use it?

No. The terms, codes, and definitions of the Omaha System are not copyrighted. However, if you use or write about the Omaha System, you should follow the guidelines as described in the two 1992 Omaha System books, and should reference your source. Saunders holds the copyright on the 1992 books so you need to follow standard copyright laws for using text other than the Omaha System’s terms, codes, and definitions. If you purchase software based on the Omaha System, the companies must also follow copyright laws.  They charge for software development, maintenance, and related business expenses; they do not charge for the Omaha System per se.

2. How can I, my agency, my faculty colleagues, or my students learn to use the Omaha System successfully?

Learning to use the Omaha System is like learning a new language and should be approached as such.  Become familiar with general information such as the purpose, organization, and benefits by reading Omaha System references and visiting Omaha System related links listed on this Web site. Then, familiarize yourself with specific Omaha System words (terms and definitions) and practice using them with the pocket guide. Most learns say the language of the Omaha System is intuitive and easy once they “get the hang of it”. 

3. How can I contact others who are using the Omaha System?

Use links and information in this Web site and the Omaha System listserv. In addition, Karen Martin facilitates networking among those interested in the Omaha System, and offers consultation services to prospective, new, and experienced users. She has been involved with Omaha System research, development, and publication since 1978.

4. When will the next Omaha System book be available?

Karen Martin signed a contract with Elsevier Health Sciences, the Saunders-Mosby-Harcourt publishing group. The book will be completed in late 2004.

5. Is there a plan to update the Omaha System?

In 2001, a 12-member Omaha System Advisory Board was formed with representatives from diverse service and educational settings. The purpose of this committee is to develop an action plan to review and revise the Omaha System based on comments from surveys results of current research, and suggestions from users.  The goal is to include the revision in the next Omaha System book.

6.  Is the Omaha System part of national or international activities?

Yes. It was one of the first vocabularies recognized by the American Nurses Association in 1990. It is included in the National Library of Medicine’s Unified Medical Language System Metathesaurus, the ANSI HISB Inventory of Clinical Information Standards, and in the accreditation standards of the Joint Commission on Accreditation for Health Care Organizations and the Community Health Accreditation Program. Plans to include the Omaha System in SNOMED International and HL7 are underway.

7. Is the Omaha System available in languages in addition to English?

Yes. The pocket guide was translated into Japanese in 1997; other translations are being discussed for the next book. The terms, codes, and definitions have been translated into a number of languages.