Nutrition Care Process

The Nutrition Care Process (NCP) has been around since 2003. It is now a standard part of dietetics education and is included in the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) exam. Why is the NCP important? It provides dietetics professionals an accepted care process and framework for critical thinking and decision-making, regardless of area of practice or responsibilities. Although use of the NCP is not required, it is strongly recommended that all dietetic professionals incorporate the NCP into their practice. While more and more dietetic professionals are using the NCP, not all have made the leap. Any confusion regarding the NCP can be clarified by learning more about what a care process is, who uses care processes, and the potential benefits associated with use of a care process. Whether you are new to the field of dietetics, simply looking to boost your skill set, or have never ventured into the world of the NCP, this course will provide you with the information you need to feel comfortable utilizing the NCP in practice.

Beginning with an overview of the NCP, each step of the NCP is described in detail in separate chapters and how it supports dietetics practice regardless of the setting. RDNs must learn to utilize a diagnostic thought process to accurately evaluate information gathered during the nutrition assessment to arrive at the correct diagnosis. The diagnostic thought process is described, with examples of how RDNs diagnose nutrition problems. In 2014, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics published the eNCPT (Electronic Nutrition Care Process and Terminology) an online comprehensive guide for implementing the NCP using standardized language. Because of the relationship between the eNCPT, the NCP, and electronic medical records, the course also includes an overview of nutrition informatics, which is the area of practice focusing on using technology to facilitate dietetics practice.