Rotational Dietitian (General Medicine Rotation)

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Clinical Responsibilities

• To be professionally and legally accountable for all aspects of practice in accordance with the standards of proficiency, conduct and ethics set by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

• To provide dietetic assessment, treatment and ongoing management for patients with a broad range of acute and chronic clinical conditions, including those requiring nutritional support, within agreed competencies and with support from senior colleagues as required.

• To formulate and deliver individualised dietetic treatment plans based on evidence-based practice, utilising clinical assessment, clinical reasoning and knowledge of a wide range of dietetic interventions.

• To assess, implement and monitor oral, enteral and nutritional support interventions, escalating complex clinical issues appropriately.

• To assess patient understanding of treatment proposals, obtain valid informed consent and work within the legal framework for patients who lack capacity to consent to treatment.

• To evaluate patient progress, reassess nutritional needs and modify treatment plans as required.

• To manage clinical risk within own caseload and recognise when to seek support or escalate concerns to senior staff.

• To work within Trust clinical guidelines and maintain a good working knowledge of relevant local, regional and national standards, monitoring quality of practice as appropriate.

• To maintain accurate, timely and comprehensive patient records in accordance with Trust, British Dietetic Association (BDA) and HCPC standards.

Team Working and Communication

• To represent the dietetic service and/or individual patients at multidisciplinary team meetings to ensure coordinated, patient-centred care and integration of dietetic treatment within the wider management plan.

• To contribute to discharge planning and patient flow through timely nutritional assessment, intervention and communication with the multidisciplinary team.

• To use a range of verbal and non-verbal communication skills to communicate effectively with patients, carers and healthcare professionals, including those with communication difficulties, cognitive impairment or complex needs.

• To use persuasive, motivational and empathetic communication skills to support behaviour change and optimise patient engagement with treatment plans.

• To provide specialist nutritional advice to patients, carers and clinicians regarding nutritional management and support. This includes undertaking detailed nutritional assessment using anthropometric, biochemical, clinical and dietary information to determine nutritional requirements and treatment plans.

• To be responsible for the dietetic discharge planning of patients requiring home enteral nutrition support, ensuring safe and timely transition from hospital to community care.

• To liaise with Catering Services and other relevant teams to support optimal nutrition provision for patients.

• To demonstrate flexibility by providing cross-cover across rotational areas during periods of staff shortage, annual leave or service need, with senior support as required.

• To undertake any other duties appropriate to the grade as requested by the Head of Nutrition & Dietetics.

Audit, Quality Improvement and Research

• To undertake the measurement and evaluation of clinical practice through audit, outcome measures, service evaluation and evidence-based practice projects, either independently or with support from peers or senior dietitians.

• To contribute to the collection and analysis of data for audit, quality improvement and research projects.

• To participate in research, audit and service development initiatives within the department and multidisciplinary teams.

• To complete a quality improvement or service development project during each rotation with support from senior staff.

Development Activities

• To be an active participant in  training sessions, tutorials, peer review activities and external courses.

• To participate in regular clinical supervision, peer support and reflective practice activities, including peer supervision with Band 5 and Band 6 colleagues and cross-specialty supervision opportunities.

• To be an active member of the Dietetic Department, contributing to departmental developments and attending departmental meetings.

• To support the Head of Nutrition & Dietetics in ensuring departmental resources are used effectively and efficiently, recognising individual responsibility for contributing to the sustainable use of Trust resources and delivery of value-based healthcare.

Education and Training

• To maintain and develop current knowledge of evidence-based practice across all rotational areas, developing specialist knowledge of specific clinical conditions and patient groups.

• To maintain own competency to practise through continuing professional development activities and maintain a CPD portfolio in accordance with HCPC requirements.

• To contribute to the education and training of student dietitians through supervision, teaching and facilitation of learning opportunities within clinical practice.

• To support and monitor student dietitians' record keeping in accordance with professional and departmental standards.

• To provide education and training to patients, carers, dietetic assistants and members of the multidisciplinary team as appropriate.

• To develop and update patient information resources, diet sheets, presentations and other educational materials to support the delivery of high-quality patient care.