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Tools for Writing Nutrition Diagnostic Statements

Clinical dietitians use nutrition diagnostic statements to define a patient's diet-related health issues. In 2003, the American Dietetic Association (ADA) established standardized language for writing nutrition diagnostic statements, which comes in the form of a PES (problem, etiology and signs/symptoms) statement. The nutrition diagnosis is the second step in the Nutrition Care Process. According to the ADA, using the Nutrition Care Process will lead to more efficient and effective care, and it will improve dietetic professionals' recognition in all care settings.

  1. Guidebooks

    • An essential tool for writing nutrition diagnostic statements is the "International Dietetics & Nutrition Terminology (IDNT) Reference Manual: Standardized Language for the Nutrition Care Process," by the American Dietetic Association (ADA). It provides a complete list of the nutrition diagnosis terminology, an explanation of the terms and definitions, and reference sheets for each nutrition diagnosis. It is available through the ADA Evidence Analysis Library store. ADA also offers an IDNT Pocket Guide and online IDNT access for an additional cost.

    Free Presentation

    • A free learning tutorial by the American Dietetic Association, entitled “The Basics of the Nutrition Diagnosis: Critical Thinking in the Second Step of the NCP,” is available online. This tool is useful to teach other dietitians how to write nutrition diagnostic statements.

    Courses

    • Iowa State University offers a course entitled "Utilizing Nutrition Diagnosis Within The Nutrition Care Process" that can be taken for 1 Continuing Professional Education Unit (CPEU). It is available online through the University's Dietetics Academy. The American Dietetic Association also offers an "NCP In-Depth Sponsored Independent Learning Toolkit," worth 5 or more CPEUs. It is available through the ADA Evidence Analysis Library store. These courses provide a more in-depth understanding of how to write and use effective nutrition diagnostic statements.

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