Nutrition Care Process Overview

The Nutrition Care Process (NCP) is a framework for systematic problem-solving. It is used by nutrition and dietetics professionals to critically think and make decisions when providing safe, effective, timely, and equitable high quality nutrition care. The NCP consists of four distinct, interrelated steps: Nutrition Assessment and Reassessment, Nutrition Diagnosis, Nutrition Intervention, and Nutrition Monitoring and Evaluation.

Based on the scientific problem-solving method, the Nutrition Care Process and Model's primary use is for the clinical practitioner. However, as a framework used for critical thinking and decision making, the Nutrition Care Process can be utilized by the RDNs in all work settings — including clinical, management, food service, research, community health and education. Every member of the profession should be able to articulate the Nutrition Care Process and Model, which describes what nutrition and dietetics practitioners do every day.

Use of the NCP and its terminology (NCPT) can lead to more efficient and effective care and communications, nutrition research, and greater recognition of nutrition in individual/population health and the role of credentialed nutrition and dietetics practitioners. The NCP facilitates a consistent approach to care and the NCPT provides a worldwide shared understanding and definitions of nutrition assessment/monitoring and evaluation, diagnostic, and intervention concepts.

The Nutrition Care Process can be used in any charting or documentation system. For example, many RDNs are using the ADI or ADIME format, which directly parallels the Nutrition Care Process. RDNs may not always have the authority to change the format for documentation; however, using the Nutrition Care Process allows RDNs to focus their chart notes and make documentation more concise.

Demonstrating Effectiveness: Nutrition Care Process Evolution