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SPECIALIST INTERVENTION Practice nurses and dietitians working together Health professionals, such as practice nurses and dietitians, must work together to help Australians be healthier. In order to effectively partner with dietitians, practice nurses need a good understanding of the services dietitians provide, when to refer and how to find a suitable practitioner. Medical nutrition therapy: a dietitian’s ‘bread and butter’ Dietitians translate scientific nutrition information into practical advice to help people make the right decisions about what to eat. Medical nutrition therapy involves nutrition assessment, dietary advice, knowledge and skill development, and behavioural counselling. The aim is to facilitate long-term behaviour change by encouraging patients to self-manage their health through nutrition, diet and other lifestyle changes. Accredited Practising Dietitians: who are they and what do they do In Australia there are no rules governing the use of the terms ‘dietitian’ and ‘nutritionist’. These titles may be used by dietitians, nutrition scientists, and nutrition graduates — or people with very limited nutrition qualifications! The Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) recommends looking for the APD credential when choosing a dietitian. Accredited Practising Dietitians (APDs) have either completed a DAA-accredited university degree, comprising a minimum of four years full-time training, or have successfully sat the DAA examination for overseas-trained dietitians. They must also take part in ongoing continuing professional development, and are bound by DAA Code of Professional Conduct. Most Australian health funds have levels of cover that give a rebate for visits to private practice APDs. Patients may also get a rebate through Medicare if they are under a care plan for a chronic health condition (such as type 2 diabetes) that is being co-ordinated by a GP. Medicare rebates are also available for people with type 2 diabetes attending group sessions run by an APD. APDs advise patients on the nutritional management of many conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal disorders, cancer, physical and mental disabilities, food allergy and intolerance, and overweight and obesity. Practice nurses and dietitians: working together Practice nurses will differ in their interest in the area of nutrition. Some may choose to discuss general nutrition guidelines on healthy eating (based on the Dietary Guidelines for Australian Adults) with their patients, while others will refer patients for all nutrition counselling to a specialist — an APD. Finding an Accredited Practising Dietitian Finding an APD is easy. Go to www. daa.asn.au and click on the ‘Find an APD’ tab or call the toll free APD hotline on 1800 812 942 and ask for the contact details of APDs in your local area. Look in the Yellow Pages under ‘Dietitian’ for an APD or call your local public or private hospital or community health centre and ask to speak to an APD. Summary points • Nutrition intervention can improve patient outcomes. • APDs modify diets to treat a wide range of nutrition-related health conditions. • APDs are university-qualified nutrition and dietetic professionals, and are the experts in food and nutrition. • Medicare provides rebates for visits to an APD for patients under a care plan for a chronic health condition co-ordinated by a GP. • Most private health funds provide rebates for visits to APDs in private practice. • By working together, PNs and APDs can improve the nutritional status of patients. • Visit www.daa.asn.au to find an APD in your local area, or to visit ‘Smart Eating for You’ for nutrition information for your patients. Claire Hewat CEO Dietitians Association of Australia The aim is to facilitate long-term behaviour change by encouraging patients to self-manage their health through nutrition, diet and other lifestyle changes. Did you know Reading and reflecting on the content in Primary Times is worth one hour of CPD. 22 Primary Times <strong>September</strong> 2010
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Page 1 and 2: Supporting nurses in PRIMARY HEALTH
Page 3 and 4: CONTENTS EDITORIAL BOARD APNA NEWS
Page 5 and 6: PROFESSIONAL ISSUES Member question
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Page 13 and 14: PRACTICE MATTERS standards or guide
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Page 22 and 23: CLINICAL CARE Identifying common nu
Page 26 and 27: FEATURE Nutrition and chronic disea
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