ABSTRACT
Sometimes the clinician receiving the referral is given an extensive amount of information about the patient and sometimes there is little or no information provided. Regardless of the quantity and quality of the information provided with the referral, the clinician should perform their own nutrition screening and assessment. For the dietitian working in an outpatient clinic or private practice, the initial form(s) completed by the patient prior to a consult may include nutrition screening questions. In the outpatient setting, it is reasonable to have the patient and/or caregiver complete the nutrition screen. Identification of a patient who requires a nutrition assessment leads to initiation of the Nutrition Care Process, a standardized process that includes assessment, nutrition diagnosis, nutrition intervention, and monitoring and evaluation. The more the clinician knows about the patient's medical and surgical history, the more comprehensive the nutrition care plan for the present and future can be developed.
