Roles & Responsibilities
Provide individualized medical nutrition therapy (MNT) through a multi-disciplinary approach for inpatients and or outpatients in Health Care Facilities / Homecare/ Kidney Care and or Ambulatory Healthcare Services. MNT is implemented according to the American Dietetic Association (ADA) Nutrition Care Process (NCP) which provides a framework for the Clinical Dietitians to individualize care, taking into account the patient s needs and values and using the best scientific evidence available to make decisions.
Abu Dhabi Healthcare Company (SEHA) is the largest and most comprehensive healthcare network in the UAE that was established in 2007 with the objective of operating all public hospitals and clinics across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. SEHA is committed to delivering world-class healthcare services using the most advanced diagnostics and systems across its network of public healthcare centers and hospitals in addition to partnering with global leaders in healthcare, including world renowned organizations such as the Mayo Clinic.
CLINICAL DUTIES/ MEDICAL NUTRITION THERAPY
Responsible for Medical Nutrition Therapy and thus assess patients using the Nutrition Care Process (NCP) which is a systematic approach to providing high-quality nutrition care. The NCP consists of four distinct, interrelated steps: Nutrition Assessment, Nutrition Diagnosis, Nutrition Intervention, and Nutrition Monitoring and Evaluation. Responsible to individualize and evaluate care and service processes within organization systems specific to the discipline of nutrition and dietetics. Documenting a comprehensive assessment for all consulted and referred patients as per facility policies and procedures. Discuss and/or refer complex cases to Senior Dietitians/Supervisor for guidance to ensure high-quality evidence based nutrition care. Responsible to update nutritional standards of care and procedures for the facility and to promote evidence based guidelines. Being an active member of a nutrition practice group / association for the areas of work concentration. Liaising with ward and food service management and staff concerning nutritional care plan, goals and dietary requirements of inpatients on a daily basis May liase with Food Service on preparation of therapeutic diets, ordering appropriate menus and additional/alternative food products for individual patients Communicating complex sensitive information in an understandable form to patients, carers, medical, nursing and food service using negotiation, counseling and behavioral change skills. This will frequently involve clients/carers who have complex emotional, physical and psychological problems Communicating goals and progress of nutritional care plan to referring health care professionals by writing in medical case notes, file where applicable, letter to medical practitioner or verbal communication Plan and organize provision of Nutritional items for patients being discharged on enteral (tube) feeding. May liaise with Long Term Facilities and their healthcare team to communicate nutritional plan of care.
QUALITY AND SAFETY
Follow the Department of Health Abu Dhabi s Standards of Practice Clinical Dietitian are required to maintain Registration/license as required by the Department of Health Abu Dhabi Demonstrates accountability for the proper use of patients protected health information Research should be evidence based medicine, clinical research on human subjects within the realm of: national laws, international and local standards and guidelines, and accreditation standard requirement, by adopting the highest ethical and human subject protection criteria. Conducting research must comply with the guidelines of local regulatory bodies such as Department of Health, Abu Dhabi. Prepare and participate in accreditation activities. Identifying opportunities for improvement Promoting and maintaining quality in all services and ensure continuous quality improvement measures are in place Follow facility approved reference guidelines or follow the Academy of Nutrition, ASPEN and ESPEN nutritional guidelines Participate in Facility Quality Improvement Projects
EDUCATION
Communicating in a professional and courteous manner with patients, family and other medical personnel as necessary to obtain information for nutrition diagnosis, nutrition assessment, intervention, monitoring and evaluation to explain procedures, clarify orders and communicate status Able to establish rapport with clients/patients or groups when conducting nutrition education in an environment that enhances nutrition education outcomes Planning and delivering training and education sessions for facility and department staff Acting as a preceptor of dietetics or other students. Instructing and training dietetic interns, when applicable Developing and presenting seminars or lectures for health professionals or students Participating in departmental education projects and presentations annually Writing, preparing and reviewing new nutrition education material Utilizing varied techniques to educate patients regarding nutrition goals'