Translation and validation of the Omaha System into English language simplified Omaha System terms

Abstract

Purpose: COVID-19 has caused a shift toward consumer-facing technology such as mobile health (mHealth) applications. However, most mHealth apps do not use accessible language. Standardized terminologies have potential to solve this problem but have not been simplified for consumer use. Methods: We used a standardized health terminology, the Omaha System, as the framework to develop the Simplified Omaha System Terms (SOST) for use within a mHealth application, MyStrengths + MyHealth. Plain language principles informed the SOST development in three phases, a community-validation focus group enabled feedback from diverse end-users, a readability assessment provide validation to the desired goal readability level. Results: The community-validation members (n = 19) ages ranged from 22 to 74; 51% male, 84% people of color, and 21% college educated. The reading level of the final SOST averaged 3.86 on the Coleman–Liau Index (fourth grade). A case study showed meaningful whole-person health data were generated in a community-led study during COVID-19. Conclusions: Community validation and readability assessment demonstrated accessible language for a clinical terminology. The SOST was deployed successfully in MyStrengths + My Health and in a community-led study. The Omaha System as a framework for the SOST may enable the data to be integrated with clinical datasets. Future research should focus on validation of SOST in additional languages and integration within electronic health platforms.