e-Health in Occupational Accident Management: Insights From Nursing Practice Using the Digitalized Omaha System

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Nursing Informatics
• Occupational Health

Background:

• Occupational accidents are a significant global public health issue, particularly in Türkiye.
• Standardized nursing classification systems in electronic health records (EHRs) can enhance data quality, care coordination, and decision-making.
• The Omaha System is a recognized nursing classification system.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical and informatics utility of the Omaha System integrated into an EHR platform.
• To assess and monitor the health problems of workers hospitalized due to occupational accidents using the Omaha System in EHRs.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive-longitudinal study involving 45 workers hospitalized for occupational accidents in Türkiye.
• Data collection using a Personal Information Form and the Nightingale Notes EHR platform, structured around the Omaha System.
• Utilized the Omaha System's Problem Classification Scheme, Intervention Scheme, and Problem Rating Scale for Outcomes.

Main Results:

• The most common injuries were hand and finger injuries (75.6%).
• 1274 problem entries were documented, including safety, skin, personal care, neuro-musculoskeletal, pain, and role change issues.
• Statistically significant improvements (P<.05) were observed in patient knowledge, behavior, and status post-intervention.

Conclusions:

• Omaha System-based EHRs are clinically effective in occupational health nursing for systematic assessment and outcome monitoring.
• The system facilitates targeted nursing interventions, improving patient outcomes.
• Supports broader application in occupational health surveillance, acute care, and precision nursing practice.