Unit of competency
Modification History
Not applicable.
Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to provide assistance to a Dietitian. Work includes undertaking delegated tasks related to screening for nutritional risk and implementation of nutrition support. This work is carried out according to the nutritional care plan provided by the delegating Dietitian or the organisation’s procedures or guidelines.
This unit applies to Allied Health Assistants and should be performed under the direct, indirect or remote supervision and delegation of an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD).
The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Allied Health Assistant Framework, Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.
No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Pre-requisite Unit
Nil
Competency Field
Allied Health
Unit Sector
Health
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENTS |
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes |
Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Receive delegated therapy activity. |
1.1. Obtain written or verbal delegation for an allied health activity from the Dietitian. 1.2. Obtain information from relevant sources and delegating Dietitian, according to organisational policy and procedures. 1.3. Discuss and confirm with delegating Dietitian or Allied Health Professional therapy, treatment plans, programs and work health and safety (WHS) requirements. |
2. Prepare for delegated therapy activity. |
2.1. Identify screening tools. 2.2. Confirm the person's need for screening. 2.3. Consult with relevant staff before conducting the screening. 2.4. Explain purpose and process of screening to the person and ensure their understanding. 2.5. Obtain required resources and equipment. |
3. Provide delegated therapy activity. |
3.1. Conduct screening using language and terminology suitable to the person. 3.2. Seek assistance if required for participation. 3.3. Complete screening tool according to organisational protocol. 3.4. Use screening results to determine level of risk for the person. 3.5. Select nutrition support item or interventions based on risk assessment. 3.6. Implement nutrition intervention in line with local dietary guideline or procedure, in collaboration with food services. 3.7. Seek the person's feedback about the tolerance of the nutrition support intervention. 3.8. Monitor intake according to organisational protocols. 3.9. Seek assistance when the person presents with needs or signs outside scope of role. |
4. Provide nutrition support services for at risk person as delegated by Dietitian. |
4.1. Select nutrition support item or interventions. 4.2. Implement nutrition intervention and communicate with food services. 4.3. Process nutrition support requirements. 4.4. Monitor intake according to organisational procedures. |
5. Provide feedback on screening and management of nutrition risk to treating Dietitian. |
5.1. Document screening and management activity outcomes according to organisational procedures. 5.2. Report the person's difficulties and concerns to the delegating Dietitian. 5.3. Discuss screening and management outcomes with delegating Dietitian. 5.4. Implement variations to the individualised plan as delegated by the Dietitian. |
6. Assist in the maintenance of therapy equipment and resources. |
6.1. Clean equipment according to manufacturer requirements. 6.2. Store materials and equipment according to manufacturer requirements and organisation procedures. 6.3.Report equipment problems or faults in accordance with organisational procedures. |
Foundation Skills
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Unit Mapping Information
Supersedes and is not equivalent to HLTAHA021 Assist with screening and implementation of therapeutic diets.
Links
Companion Volume implementation guides are found in VETNet - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=ced1390f-48d9-4ab0-bd50-b015e5485705