Feasibility of using the Omaha system for self-report of symptoms by adults with diabetes

Diabetes self-management in collaboration with the healthcare team is an important strategy to improve population health and decrease healthcare costs. Purposes of this study were two-fold: 1) to evaluate the feasibility of using a standardized terminology for self-report of symptoms by adults with diabetes, and 2) to examine self-reported symptoms relative to the symptoms listed in a publicly-available clinical assessment form for diabetes clinic visits. Respondents with diabetes self-identified 180 symptoms, and 20% of respondents identified 49 symptoms, compared to 13 symptoms on the clinical assessment form. An additional symptom of excessive thirst was suggested to enhance the Omaha System. The Omaha System should be further explored as a communication tool between individuals and their health care providers in personal health records, surveys, and other assessment tools, and reading level concerns should be addressed. The Omaha System has potential to be used internationally in surveys of diverse problems and populations to help identify symptoms of diabetes for improving communication between patients and the healthcare team.