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Unit outline_

NTDT5307: Medical Nutrition

Semester 2, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit of study consists of two components; a lecture program in medical nutrition therapy presented by specialist dietitians and medical doctors and a series of integrated practical workshops, simulation clinics and hospital orientation sessions. Students will learn to apply the knowledge gained from the lecture program combined with the counselling and communication skills and dietary assessment techniques learned in first semester, to the Nutrition Care Process of 1. Assessment, 2. Diagnosis, 3. Intervention, and 4. Monitoring and Evaluation. Students will learn to individualise evidence-based interventions to improve nutrition outcomes in various medical conditions via traditional face-to-face care and a range of telehealth media. The importance of client focused factors in dietary modification (including cultural awareness of peoples from culturally and linguistically diverse and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds, strengths-based approaches and respectful communication); education and interpretation of theory for client understanding are key discussion points. Students will be required to complete verification requirements for placement.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Nursing and Midwifery
Credit points 12
Prerequisites
? 
NTDT5503 and NTDT5601 and (NTDT5602 or FMHU5001) and NTDT5604
Corequisites
? 
NTDT5305 and NTDT5608
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Juliana Chen, juliana.chen@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Peter Collins, peter.collins@sydney.edu.au
Juliana Chen, juliana.chen@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 September 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Supervised exam
? 
Assessment 5: Final exam
Short answer questions
40% Formal exam period 2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO9 LO10
Presentation hurdle task Assessment 4: Counselling video and reflection
Video presentation of counselling skills and reflection on performance
10% Mid-semester break
Due date: 06 Oct 2024 at 23:59
1 hour
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO7 LO9 LO10 LO5 LO6 LO8
Small continuous assessment Assessment 1: Culturally safe dietetic care with First Nations peoples workshop and reflection
Participation in workshop, completion of workshop activities and reflection
0% Week 03
Due date: 14 Aug 2024 at 23:59
2 hour workshop and reflection
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO6 LO8 LO10
Tutorial quiz Assessment 2: Case study assessment 1
Short answer questions
25% Week 04
Due date: 19 Aug 2024 at 09:00
1 hour
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7 LO9 LO10
Tutorial quiz Assessment 3: Case study assessment 2
Short answer questions
25% Week 08
Due date: 16 Sep 2024 at 11:00
1 hour
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7 LO9 LO10 LO1
hurdle task = hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

  • Assessment 1: Culturally safe dietetic care with First Nations peoples workshop and reflectionStudents attend a workshop on culturally safe dietetic care with First Nations peoples and complete workshop activities and a reflection on their learnings.
  • Assessment 2: Case study assessment 1: Students are assessed on their ability to apply medical nutrition therapy knowledge across the nutrition care process to case studies.
  • Assessment 3: Case study assessment 2: Students are assessed on their ability to apply medical nutrition therapy knowledge across the nutrition care process to case studies.
  • Assessment 4: Video presentation of counselling skills and reflection: Students are required to record themselves undertaking a counselling session, and submit a written reflection on their performance.
  • Assessment 5: Final exam: Students are assessed on case studies based on the medical nutrition lectures (excluding lectures delivered by medical practitioners).

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Please note: Each student is required to submit all assessment items in order to be eligible to pass this unit. Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard.

Distinction

75 - 84

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard.

Credit

65 - 74

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard.

Pass

50 - 64

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard.

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Multiple weeks Medical nutrition Workshop (56 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Clinical yarning and communicating with Aboriginal clients workshops Workshop (4 hr) LO2 LO5 LO6 LO8
Week 01 Introduction to medical nutrition therapy Lecture (1 hr)  
Week 06 Weight stigma workshop Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO6 LO10
Week 13 Revision/exam briefing Tutorial (1 hr)  
Weekly Medical nutrition Lecture (88 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO7 LO10
Simulation clinics Simulation laboratory (8 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: Students are expected to:

  • Attend 100% MNT Workshops, allocated simulation clinics, compulsory activities and assessments at the scheduled times. If unable to attend, students are required to notify the course coordinator.
  • Be professional when attending classes and treat all lecturers including external lecturers respectfully
  • Participate fully in class activities and discussions.
  • Not eating or drinking in lecture rooms/computer labs where indicated and ensure mobile phones are kept away.
  • Prepare and keep up with readings and activities for each week/ learning module.
  • Take advantage of free class time (i.e. when there are no sessions scheduled) to work on assignments.
  • Communicate immediately with the course coordinator concerning any problems that arise regarding attendance, completion of activities and assignments, and demonstrate initiative in planning alternatives.

Referencing style: The Sydney Nursing School has adopted the American Psychological Association (APA) Referencing style, 7th Edition, 2020 as its official referencing style. This is an author-date style of referencing.

Assignment formatting guidelines: Unless the unit coordinator has indicated otherwise, please make sure your submitted assessments are formatted as follows:

  • font: use Calibri or Times New Roman in 11 - 12 point
  • double line spacing
  • margins: 2.5cm each side
  • use page numbers
  • refer to assessment instructions for use of title and headings

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 12 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 240-300 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. develop knowledge in the nutrition assessment and management of common medical conditions
  • LO2. develop skills in the collection, analysis and interpretation of health, social and nutritional data to assess nutritional status of individual clients via traditional face-to-face and a range of virtual care and telehealth modes.
  • LO3. develop skills in formulating a nutritional diagnosis and identify priority nutrition issues
  • LO4. design evidence-based, goal-oriented interventions in collaboration with clients to manage nutritional diagnoses
  • LO5. apply client-centred nutrition counselling skills to empower clients and facilitate positive health outcomes
  • LO6. apply effective communication, interpersonal skills and cultural awareness through respectful and active listening, interviewing and translating technical information into practical advice, based on the client’s cultural, education, social and economic attributes
  • LO7. develop plans to monitor progress and compliance of nutritional interventions, and evaluate outcomes
  • LO8. evaluate own and peers’ performance through peer learning, including observation and critical reflection
  • LO9. apply and document the NCP using accepted standards and effective oral and written communication skills for hospital and private practice settings in order to commence practicing safely and professionally
  • LO10. demonstrate an understanding of the different roles, responsibilities and expertise of other health professionals

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes Competency standards
LO1
National Competency Standards for Dietitians in Australia (2021) - DAA
1.1.1. Operates within the individual’s and the profession’s scope of practice, seeks assistance and refers to other services as necessary
1.1.2. Shows a commitment to professional development and lifelong learning
1.3.2. Develops and maintains a credible professional role by commitment to excellence of practice
2.1.2. Applies a highly developed knowledge of nutrition science, social science, behavioural science, health, disease, food, food preparation methods, food systems, and sustainability to tailor recommendations to improve health of clients
2.1.4. Applies problem-solving skills to create realistic solutions to nutrition problems or issues
2.2.1. Collects, analyses and interprets relevant health, medical, cultural, social, psychological, economic, personal, environmental, dietary intake, and food systems and sustainability data when assessing nutritional issues of clients
2.2.2. In collaboration with clients, other professionals, key stakeholders, and partners: Makes appropriate nutrition diagnoses and identifies priority nutrition issues based on all available information
2.2.3. In collaboration with clients, other professionals, key stakeholders, and partners: Prioritises key issues, formulates goals and objectives, and prepares individualised, realistic goal- oriented plans
2.2.4. In collaboration with clients, other professionals, key stakeholders, and partners: Uses client-centred counselling skills to negotiate and facilitate nutrition, behaviour and lifestyle change and empower clients with self-management skills
2.2.6. In collaboration with clients, other professionals, key stakeholders, and partners: Facilitates advanced-care planning, discharge planning and referral to other services where appropriate, in accordance with jurisdictional legislation, policy or standards
2.3.1. Applies an approach to practice that recognises the multi-factorial and interconnected determinants influencing nutrition and health
2.3.3. Applies a socio-ecological approach to the development of strategies to improve nutrition and health
4.1.4. Translates technical information into practical messaging that can be easily understood and used by clients, other professionals, key stakeholders, partners, and members of the public
LO2
National Competency Standards for Dietitians in Australia (2021) - DAA
1.2.1. Exercises professional duty of care in accordance with relevant codes of conduct, ethical requirements, and other accepted protocols
1.2.3. Prepares, stores and transmits accurate and timely documentation according to accepted standards
1.3.4. Participates in supervision, teaching and mentoring processes with peers, students and colleagues
1.3.5. Demonstrates initiative by being proactive and developing solutions to problems
1.4.4. Utilises relevant technology and equipment efficiently, effectively and safely
2.1.1. Adopts a questioning and critical approach in all aspects of practice
2.2.1. Collects, analyses and interprets relevant health, medical, cultural, social, psychological, economic, personal, environmental, dietary intake, and food systems and sustainability data when assessing nutritional issues of clients
4.1.4. Translates technical information into practical messaging that can be easily understood and used by clients, other professionals, key stakeholders, partners, and members of the public
4.2.3. Displays effective active listening, interviewing and interpersonal skills to better understand perspectives of clients, other professionals, key stakeholders and partners to inform approaches and influence change
LO3
National Competency Standards for Dietitians in Australia (2021) - DAA
1.2.3. Prepares, stores and transmits accurate and timely documentation according to accepted standards
2.2.2. In collaboration with clients, other professionals, key stakeholders, and partners: Makes appropriate nutrition diagnoses and identifies priority nutrition issues based on all available information
4.1.4. Translates technical information into practical messaging that can be easily understood and used by clients, other professionals, key stakeholders, partners, and members of the public
LO4
National Competency Standards for Dietitians in Australia (2021) - DAA
1.2.3. Prepares, stores and transmits accurate and timely documentation according to accepted standards
1.5.1. Acknowledges, reflects on and understands own culture, values, beliefs, attitudes, biases, assumptions, privilege and power at the individual and systems level, and their influence on practice
1.5.2. Works respectfully with diverse clients in choosing culturally safe and responsive strategies to suit the goals, lived experiences and environment of clients
2.1.2. Applies a highly developed knowledge of nutrition science, social science, behavioural science, health, disease, food, food preparation methods, food systems, and sustainability to tailor recommendations to improve health of clients
2.1.3. Systematically searches for, evaluates, interprets and applies findings from food, nutrition, dietetic, social, behavioural and education sciences into dietetic practice
2.1.4. Applies problem-solving skills to create realistic solutions to nutrition problems or issues
2.2.3. In collaboration with clients, other professionals, key stakeholders, and partners: Prioritises key issues, formulates goals and objectives, and prepares individualised, realistic goal- oriented plans
2.2.5. In collaboration with clients, other professionals, key stakeholders, and partners: Systematically implements, evaluates and adapts nutrition care plans, programs and services
2.3.1. Applies an approach to practice that recognises the multi-factorial and interconnected determinants influencing nutrition and health
2.3.3. Applies a socio-ecological approach to the development of strategies to improve nutrition and health
4.2.3. Displays effective active listening, interviewing and interpersonal skills to better understand perspectives of clients, other professionals, key stakeholders and partners to inform approaches and influence change
LO5
National Competency Standards for Dietitians in Australia (2021) - DAA
1.3.1. Uses negotiation and conflict-resolution skills when required
1.5.1. Acknowledges, reflects on and understands own culture, values, beliefs, attitudes, biases, assumptions, privilege and power at the individual and systems level, and their influence on practice
1.5.2. Works respectfully with diverse clients in choosing culturally safe and responsive strategies to suit the goals, lived experiences and environment of clients
2.2.4. In collaboration with clients, other professionals, key stakeholders, and partners: Uses client-centred counselling skills to negotiate and facilitate nutrition, behaviour and lifestyle change and empower clients with self-management skills
2.3.1. Applies an approach to practice that recognises the multi-factorial and interconnected determinants influencing nutrition and health
2.3.3. Applies a socio-ecological approach to the development of strategies to improve nutrition and health
4.1.1. Demonstrates empathy and establishes trust and rapport to build effective partnerships with clients, other professionals, key stakeholders and partners
4.1.2. Uses a range of communication methods to communicate clearly and concisely to a range of audiences, adapting or co-creating communication messages for specific audiences where appropriate
4.1.4. Translates technical information into practical messaging that can be easily understood and used by clients, other professionals, key stakeholders, partners, and members of the public
4.2.3. Displays effective active listening, interviewing and interpersonal skills to better understand perspectives of clients, other professionals, key stakeholders and partners to inform approaches and influence change
4.2.5. Empowers clients to improve their own health through engagement, facilitation, education and collaboration
LO6
National Competency Standards for Dietitians in Australia (2021) - DAA
1.3.1. Uses negotiation and conflict-resolution skills when required
1.3.2. Develops and maintains a credible professional role by commitment to excellence of practice
1.3.5. Demonstrates initiative by being proactive and developing solutions to problems
1.3.6. Advocates for the contribution that nutrition and dietetics can make to improve health, and for the value dietitians bring to organisations and society
1.3.7. Identifies opportunities and advocates for change to the wider social, cultural and political environment to improve nutrition, food standards and the food system
1.3.8. Recognises that whole systems — including health and education — are responsible for improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, and collaborates with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals and communities to advocate for social justice and health equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
1.5.1. Acknowledges, reflects on and understands own culture, values, beliefs, attitudes, biases, assumptions, privilege and power at the individual and systems level, and their influence on practice
1.5.2. Works respectfully with diverse clients in choosing culturally safe and responsive strategies to suit the goals, lived experiences and environment of clients
1.5.3. Applies evidence- and strengths-based best practice approaches in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health care, valuing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing
1.5.4. Acknowledge colonisation and systemic racism, social, cultural, behavioural, and economic factors which impact Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ health outcomes and how this might influence dietetic practice and outcomes
2.3.1. Applies an approach to practice that recognises the multi-factorial and interconnected determinants influencing nutrition and health
2.3.3. Applies a socio-ecological approach to the development of strategies to improve nutrition and health
3.1.5. Translates the implications of research findings for dietetic practice, advocacy and key stakeholders
4.1.1. Demonstrates empathy and establishes trust and rapport to build effective partnerships with clients, other professionals, key stakeholders and partners
4.1.2. Uses a range of communication methods to communicate clearly and concisely to a range of audiences, adapting or co-creating communication messages for specific audiences where appropriate
4.1.3. Engages in culturally appropriate, safe and sensitive communication that facilitates trust and the building of respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
4.1.4. Translates technical information into practical messaging that can be easily understood and used by clients, other professionals, key stakeholders, partners, and members of the public
4.2.3. Displays effective active listening, interviewing and interpersonal skills to better understand perspectives of clients, other professionals, key stakeholders and partners to inform approaches and influence change
4.2.5. Empowers clients to improve their own health through engagement, facilitation, education and collaboration
LO7
National Competency Standards for Dietitians in Australia (2021) - DAA
1.2.3. Prepares, stores and transmits accurate and timely documentation according to accepted standards
2.1.4. Applies problem-solving skills to create realistic solutions to nutrition problems or issues
2.2.5. In collaboration with clients, other professionals, key stakeholders, and partners: Systematically implements, evaluates and adapts nutrition care plans, programs and services
LO8
National Competency Standards for Dietitians in Australia (2021) - DAA
1.1.1. Operates within the individual’s and the profession’s scope of practice, seeks assistance and refers to other services as necessary
1.1.3. Consistently demonstrates reflective practice in collaboration with supervisors, peers and mentors
1.1.4. Demonstrates professional conduct and accepts responsibility for own actions
1.1.5. Accepts responsibility for and manages, implements and evaluates own emotions, personal health and wellbeing
1.1.6. Demonstrates flexibility, adaptability and resilience
1.3.3. Seeks, responds to and provides effective feedback
1.3.4. Participates in supervision, teaching and mentoring processes with peers, students and colleagues
1.4.2. Utilises outcomes-based systems and tools to evaluate and assure quality of practice based on agreed goals, and revises practice accordingly
1.5.1. Acknowledges, reflects on and understands own culture, values, beliefs, attitudes, biases, assumptions, privilege and power at the individual and systems level, and their influence on practice
2.1.1. Adopts a questioning and critical approach in all aspects of practice
4.1.2. Uses a range of communication methods to communicate clearly and concisely to a range of audiences, adapting or co-creating communication messages for specific audiences where appropriate
4.3.3. Guides and supports team members and peers
LO9
National Competency Standards for Dietitians in Australia (2021) - DAA
1.1.4. Demonstrates professional conduct and accepts responsibility for own actions
1.2.1. Exercises professional duty of care in accordance with relevant codes of conduct, ethical requirements, and other accepted protocols
1.2.3. Prepares, stores and transmits accurate and timely documentation according to accepted standards
1.4.1. Applies organisational, business and management skills in the practice of nutrition and dietetics
1.4.2. Utilises outcomes-based systems and tools to evaluate and assure quality of practice based on agreed goals, and revises practice accordingly
1.4.3. Identifies and assesses risks, incidents and errors, follows relevant protocols, and develops basic risk, incident and error management strategies for services
1.4.4. Utilises relevant technology and equipment efficiently, effectively and safely
1.5.2. Works respectfully with diverse clients in choosing culturally safe and responsive strategies to suit the goals, lived experiences and environment of clients
2.1.1. Adopts a questioning and critical approach in all aspects of practice
2.2.6. In collaboration with clients, other professionals, key stakeholders, and partners: Facilitates advanced-care planning, discharge planning and referral to other services where appropriate, in accordance with jurisdictional legislation, policy or standards
4.1.2. Uses a range of communication methods to communicate clearly and concisely to a range of audiences, adapting or co-creating communication messages for specific audiences where appropriate
4.2.1. Shares information with and acts as a resource person for colleagues, community and other agencies
4.2.3. Displays effective active listening, interviewing and interpersonal skills to better understand perspectives of clients, other professionals, key stakeholders and partners to inform approaches and influence change
4.3.1. Recognises and respects the diversity of other professionals’ roles, responsibilities and competencies
4.3.2. Participates in collaborative decision-making, shared responsibility, and shared vision within teams at an individual, organisational and systems level
National Competency Standards for Dietitians in Australia (2021) - DAA
1.1.1. Operates within the individual’s and the profession’s scope of practice, seeks assistance and refers to other services as necessary
1.3.7. Identifies opportunities and advocates for change to the wider social, cultural and political environment to improve nutrition, food standards and the food system
4.1.1. Demonstrates empathy and establishes trust and rapport to build effective partnerships with clients, other professionals, key stakeholders and partners
4.1.2. Uses a range of communication methods to communicate clearly and concisely to a range of audiences, adapting or co-creating communication messages for specific audiences where appropriate
4.2.1. Shares information with and acts as a resource person for colleagues, community and other agencies
4.2.2. Identifies, builds partnerships with, and assists in implementing plans with key stakeholders who have the capacity to influence food intake and food systems
4.3.1. Recognises and respects the diversity of other professionals’ roles, responsibilities and competencies
4.3.2. Participates in collaborative decision-making, shared responsibility, and shared vision within teams at an individual, organisational and systems level
National Competency Standards for Dietitians in Australia (2021) -
Competency code Taught, Practiced or Assessed Competency standard
1.1.1 P A Operates within the individual’s and the profession’s scope of practice, seeks assistance and refers to other services as necessary
1.1.2 P A Shows a commitment to professional development and lifelong learning
1.1.3 P A Consistently demonstrates reflective practice in collaboration with supervisors, peers and mentors
1.2.1 A Exercises professional duty of care in accordance with relevant codes of conduct, ethical requirements, and other accepted protocols
1.3.1 P A Uses negotiation and conflict-resolution skills when required
1.3.3 P A Seeks, responds to and provides effective feedback
1.3.4 P A Participates in supervision, teaching and mentoring processes with peers, students and colleagues
1.3.5 P A Demonstrates initiative by being proactive and developing solutions to problems
1.3.8 T P A Recognises that whole systems — including health and education — are responsible for improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, and collaborates with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals and communities to advocate for social justice and health equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
1.4.4 P A Utilises relevant technology and equipment efficiently, effectively and safely
1.5.1 A P Acknowledges, reflects on and understands own culture, values, beliefs, attitudes, biases, assumptions, privilege and power at the individual and systems level, and their influence on practice
1.5.2 A Works respectfully with diverse clients in choosing culturally safe and responsive strategies to suit the goals, lived experiences and environment of clients
1.5.3 T P A Applies evidence- and strengths-based best practice approaches in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health care, valuing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing
1.5.4 T P A Acknowledge colonisation and systemic racism, social, cultural, behavioural, and economic factors which impact Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ health outcomes and how this might influence dietetic practice and outcomes
2.1.1 A T P Adopts a questioning and critical approach in all aspects of practice
2.1.2 A P Applies a highly developed knowledge of nutrition science, social science, behavioural science, health, disease, food, food preparation methods, food systems, and sustainability to tailor recommendations to improve health of clients
2.1.3 A Systematically searches for, evaluates, interprets and applies findings from food, nutrition, dietetic, social, behavioural and education sciences into dietetic practice
2.1.4 A P Applies problem-solving skills to create realistic solutions to nutrition problems or issues
2.2.1 A P Collects, analyses and interprets relevant health, medical, cultural, social, psychological, economic, personal, environmental, dietary intake, and food systems and sustainability data when assessing nutritional issues of clients
2.2.2 A P In collaboration with clients, other professionals, key stakeholders, and partners: Makes appropriate nutrition diagnoses and identifies priority nutrition issues based on all available information
2.2.3 A P In collaboration with clients, other professionals, key stakeholders, and partners: Prioritises key issues, formulates goals and objectives, and prepares individualised, realistic goal- oriented plans
2.2.4 P A In collaboration with clients, other professionals, key stakeholders, and partners: Uses client-centred counselling skills to negotiate and facilitate nutrition, behaviour and lifestyle change and empower clients with self-management skills
2.2.5 A In collaboration with clients, other professionals, key stakeholders, and partners: Systematically implements, evaluates and adapts nutrition care plans, programs and services
2.2.6 A T In collaboration with clients, other professionals, key stakeholders, and partners: Facilitates advanced-care planning, discharge planning and referral to other services where appropriate, in accordance with jurisdictional legislation, policy or standards
2.3.1 A P Applies an approach to practice that recognises the multi-factorial and interconnected determinants influencing nutrition and health
4.1.1 P A Demonstrates empathy and establishes trust and rapport to build effective partnerships with clients, other professionals, key stakeholders and partners
4.1.2 P A Uses a range of communication methods to communicate clearly and concisely to a range of audiences, adapting or co-creating communication messages for specific audiences where appropriate
4.1.3 T P A Engages in culturally appropriate, safe and sensitive communication that facilitates trust and the building of respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
4.1.4 P A T Translates technical information into practical messaging that can be easily understood and used by clients, other professionals, key stakeholders, partners, and members of the public
4.2.3 P A T Displays effective active listening, interviewing and interpersonal skills to better understand perspectives of clients, other professionals, key stakeholders and partners to inform approaches and influence change
4.2.5 P A Empowers clients to improve their own health through engagement, facilitation, education and collaboration
4.3.1 A Recognises and respects the diversity of other professionals’ roles, responsibilities and competencies
4.3.3 P A Guides and supports team members and peers

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Assessments have been reviewed and updated, with assessment weightings re-distributed throughout the semester. Simulation clinics were enjoyed by students and improved self-efficacy, and will be continued.

This unit of study may require you to attend a teaching activity timetabled in teaching venues installed with the University’s Clinical Recording and Observation System (CROS) in the Susan Wakil Health Building. Students should be aware of the privacy and information management implications of this system. For more information, please refer to the University’s Privacy Statement.

Work, health and safety

Up to date immunisations and Australian police check are required for hospital visits.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.