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This apprenticeship has been retired

Overview of the role

Using advanced communication and behaviour-change skills to enable people to make lifestyle and food choices to improve their health.

Details of standard

Occupation summary

This occupation is found in the health sector. Dietitians are predominantly employed by the NHS, working in hospitals (seeing patients both on wards and in out-patient clinics) and in the community (for example seeing patients in GP practices, care homes, schools, health centres or seeing people in their own home). Dietitians are also employed in the food industry (including clinical nutrition companies) and there maybe opportunity for employment in higher education, sport, media, and national and local government. Some dietitians will be freelance and self-employed.

The broad purpose of the occupation is to use advanced communication and behaviour-change skills to enable people to make lifestyle and food choices to improve their health. Dietitians work in partnership with individual to assess, diagnose and monitor the impact of jointly agreed treatment plans. They treat individuals from birth to older age regarding health and nutrition, gathering and analysing information from a variety of sources, like results of blood tests and diagnostic investigations, and providing a tailored practical action plan using a holistic, person-centred approach. They take an evidence-based approach to effectively support the prevention and management of a wide range of conditions including diabetes, food allergy and intolerance, bowel disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, cancer, heart disease, stroke, liver and kidney disease, disordered eating and malnutrition caused by disease.

Dietitians also tailor specific nutritional diet related advice for groups and individuals across diverse populations and communities. They design and develop information about food and nutrition for a variety of audiences, using a range of tools to work with individuals, groups, communities and other health professionals.

In their daily work, a dietitian interacts with:

• Patient, their families and carers in clinical settings like hospitals, community clinics, care homes and general practices
• Other health and social care professionals for example, doctors, nurses, pharmacists and care workers
• Catering services and specialist contractors providing nutritional products
• Administrative and clerical staff providing support to the dietetic team

An employee in this occupation will be responsible for the management of a caseload of individuals, groups and communities to whom they will provide evidence-based dietetic care. They may supervise dietetic assistants/support workers and contribute to training dietetic students in the department. They will typically be managed by a dietitian service manager. Although they will work as part of a wider healthcare team, dietitians often work remotely from the team and are autonomous practitioners, which means that they are accountable for their own actions and decisions. They are responsible for maintaining their own knowledge and skills and must partake in continuing professional development activities to maintain their statutory registration.

Typical job titles include:

Dietitian

Entry requirements

Entry requirements will be determined by the employer and the university, however, this will typically include 3 A-levels (to include biology) or equivalent qualifications

Occupation duties

Duty KSBs

Duty 1 Communicate with individuals, their family and carers and the multidisciplinary team regarding nutrition and dietetic advice and interventions

K1 K2 K3 K13 K17

S1 S2 S3 S13 S17

B1 B2 B3 B5

Duty 2 Assess the nutritional needs of individuals, groups and populations

K1 K3 K4 K5 K6 K8 K12 K22

S1 S3 S4 S5 S6 S9

B2 B3 B4 B5

Duty 3 Formulate individualised dietetic treatment plans to promote optimal health and nutritional status

K6 K7 K12 K16 K21 K23

S6 S7 S8 S20

B3 B4 B5

Duty 4 Monitor the progress of nutrition and dietetics interventions with individuals and alter treatment plans according to changes in clinical condition

K2 K4 K7 K9 K10 K11 K12

S2 S7 S12

B1 B2 B3 B4 B5

Duty 5 Manage a designated caseload of individuals with regard to clinical priorities and use of time

K1 K13 K17 K18 K20

S1 S13 S17 S18

B1 B3 B4 B5

Duty 6 Collaborate with individuals to set dietary targets to improve patient compliance

K9 K10 K11 K12

S7 S10 S11 S12

B1 B2 B3 B4 B5

Duty 7 Co-ordinate the dietetic elements of care in the safe discharge and/or referral of individuals

K1 K8 K13 K17

S1 S9 S11 S13 S17

B1 B3 B4 B5

Duty 8 Provide education and training to individuals, groups, students and other health care professionals

K2 K9 K10 K17 K19 K23

S2 S10 S11 S14 S17 S19 S20

B2 B3 B4 B5

Duty 9 Work effectively in a multidisciplinary team

K8 K13 K17 K18 K19

S9 S13 S17 S18 S19

B1 B2 B3 B4 B5

Duty 10 Ensure that dietetic intervention is person-centred, evidence-based, timely and tailored to the individual or group needs

K7 K15 K16

S7 S8 S14 S15

B1 B2

Duty 11 Maintain accurate and up to date clinical records in line with local policy and professional standards

K1 K13

S1 S13

B2 B3 B5

Duty 12 Participate in appraisal and professional development activities

K1 K14

S1 S14

B1 B2

Duty 13 Participate in quality improvement activities including service evaluation, audit and research

K1 K15 K16 K19

S1 S15 S16 S17 S19

B1 B2 B4


KSBs

Knowledge

K1: The HCPC Standards of Proficiency for a Dietitian, the British Dietetic Association Code of Professional Conduct, legislation, Care Quality Commission/equivalent requirements, ethical boundaries, national and local policies and procedures Back to Duty

K2: How to adapt communication appropriately in relation to the social and cultural needs of individuals, groups and communities using dietetic services, including for example the use of interpreters and technology Back to Duty

K3: The principles of and process for obtaining informed consent Back to Duty

K4: The principles of biochemistry, physiology, clinical medicine, clinical dietetics, public health nutrition, epidemiology, genetics,genomics, immunology, microbiology, nutritional sciences, pathophysiology and pharmacology in the context of nutrition and dietetic practice Back to Duty

K5: The range of assessment tools and techniques used in dietetic practice Back to Duty

K6: The principles behind the use of nutritional analysis to analyse food intake records, menu planning, and recipes and interpret the results Back to Duty

K7: How to gather and critically evaluate research and other sources of complex information to inform professional judgement in dietetic practice Back to Duty

K8: How to assess and manage risks in dietetic practice Back to Duty

K9: How to translate technical nutritional requirements into practical advice and care planning for individuals, groups and populations and how to evaluate its effectiveness Back to Duty

K10: The range of educational strategies, models of empowerment, behaviour change and health improvement methods used in the context of nutrition and dietetic practice Back to Duty

K11: The impact of dietary modifications across a diverse range of dietetic interventions Back to Duty

K12: The structure and function of the human body, together with knowledge of health, disease, disorder and dysfunction to optimise nutritional status Back to Duty

K13: How to manage and maintain records and information including the concept of confidentiality and the principles of information governance Back to Duty

K14: The principles and models used in clinical reflection and how it can be used along with mentoring and training opportunities to develop own and others’ dietetic practice Back to Duty

K15: The principles and value of continuous improvement as applied to dietetic practice and the methods used for audit, evaluation and review Back to Duty

K16: The principles of evidence-based practice Back to Duty

K17: The context of dietetic services in the wider health and social care system and the importance of team working and maintaining own health by changing or stopping practice if physical or mental health may affect performance Back to Duty

K18: How to manage own workload and resources, the limits of own practice and when to seek advice in accordance with appropriate knowledge, skills and experience; the appropriate use of delegation, referrals, signposting and discharge, to ensure safe and effective practice Back to Duty

K19: The principles of leadership and how they can be applied in dietetic practice Back to Duty

K20: The principles of safeguarding and responsibilities in relation to a duty of care Back to Duty

K21: The principles of food hygiene, food science, food skills, management of food systems and factors influencing food choice and how they can be applied to dietetic practice Back to Duty

K22: The principles of sociology, social policy, management of health and social care and public health as applied to the dietetic management of individuals, groups or communities Back to Duty

K23: The principles of food labelling legislation and health claims and how it applies to dietetic practice Back to Duty

Skills

S1: Practice safely and effectively as an autonomous professional in line with HCPC requirements, the British Dietetic Association Code of Professional Conduct legislation, Care Quality Commission/equivalent requirements, ethical boundaries, national and local policies and procedures Back to Duty

S2: Select and use a range of communication strategies, skills, techniques and technologies, including non-verbal communication skills, appropriate to the diverse range of individuals, groups and communities using dietetic services e.g. presentation to groups, 1-to-1 consultations Back to Duty

S3: Obtain informed consent as appropriate Back to Duty

S4: Appraise, select and use a range of techniques, technologies and resources to assess the nutritional needs of individuals groups and populations Back to Duty

S5: Gather and evaluate complex information to assess the physical, psychological, socio-economic and nutritional status of individuals and groups to support dietetic interventions Back to Duty

S6: Analyse and critically evaluate the information collected in order to identify nutritional needs and develop a dietetic diagnosis Back to Duty

S7: Use evidence, reasoning, professional judgement and a logical and systematic approach to problem solving to determine appropriate actions; recognise personal responsibility for clinical decision making and be able to justify their actions in line with professional code of conduct Back to Duty

S8: Formulate dietetic treatment plans based on dietetic diagnosis, including setting of goals and timescales tailored to the needs of individuals and groups Back to Duty

S9: Assess and manage risks appropriately using relevant professionals and agencies Back to Duty

S10: Develop, formulate and evaluate the effectiveness of appropriate and practical dietary advice for individuals, groups and populations, for example on safe procedures for food preparation and handling, the effect of food processing on nutritional quality, menu planning and nutritional information including food labels Back to Duty

S11: Empower individuals to meet the aims of the treatment plan, by negotiating and agreeing a range of activities, including signposting to other agencies Back to Duty

S12: Monitor and evaluate the progress of nutrition and dietetic interventions using appropriate information, techniques and measures Back to Duty

S13: Manage, maintain and audit individual healthcare records Back to Duty

S14: Critically reflect on practice and take ownership of own, and contribute to other’s professional development Back to Duty

S15: Undertake research, audit and evaluation in order to improve the quality of the dietetic services provided Back to Duty

S16: Use statistical, epidemiological, and research skills to gather and interpret evidence to make reasoned conclusions to develop dietetic practice Back to Duty

S17: Work collaboratively and in partnership with the wider health and social care team to ensure the best treatment and care is provided Back to Duty

S18: Manage own workload, time and resources, including delegating, referring, signposting and discharging where appropriate Back to Duty

S19: Use leadership skills Back to Duty

S20: Appraise and use food labelling and health claims appropriately in the practical advice delivered to individuals, groups and populations Back to Duty

Behaviours

B1: Demonstrate courage to challenge areas of concern Back to Duty

B2: Demonstrate an enquiring attitude and willingness to share knowledge with others Back to Duty

B3: Demonstrate empathy, commitment, compassion and respect Back to Duty

B4: Be adaptable, flexible and resilient Back to Duty

B5: Act in a non-discriminatory manner, respect and uphold the rights, dignity, values, and autonomy of others Back to Duty


Qualifications

English and Maths

Apprentices without level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking the End-Point Assessment. For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement, the apprenticeship’s English and maths minimum requirement is Entry Level 3. A British Sign Language (BSL) qualification is an alternative to the English qualification for those whose primary language is BSL.

Other mandatory qualifications

High Level Qualification

Apprentices will be required to complete a BSc (Hons) degree in Dietetics or Level 7 qualification approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and accredited by the British Dietetic Association where the apprentice already holds a Level 6 degree

Level: 2

Professional recognition

This standard aligns with the following professional recognition:

  • British Dietetic Association for Full member


Additional details


Regulated standard

This is a regulated occupation.

Regulator body:

Health and Care Professions Council Brendon Edmonds

Training provider must be approved by regulator body

EPAO must be approved by regulator body

Occupational Level:

6

Duration (months):

48

Review

this apprenticeship will be reviewed in accordance with our change request policy.

Status: Retired
Level: 6
Degree: integrated degree
Reference: ST0599
Version: 1.1
Date updated: 01/09/2023
Route: Health and science
Typical duration to gateway: 48 months (this does not include EPA period)
Maximum funding: £24000
Regulated standard:
This is a regulated occupation
Regulator body:Health and Care Professions Council Brendon Edmonds
Training provider must be approved by regulator body
EPAO must be approved by regulator body
LARS Code: 469
EQA Provider: Office for Students
Employers involved in creating the standard: Barts Health NHS Trust, Derby Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust, Nestle UK, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust, University of Chester, University of Surrey, Coventry University

Version log

Version Change detail Earliest start date Latest start date
1.2 Standard, end-point assessment plan and funding band revised but funding remained the same 01/09/2023 Not set
1.1 Funding band and end-point assessment plan revised 16/07/2021 31/08/2023
1.0 Retired 03/07/2019 15/07/2021

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