Dietetic Associate

JOB PURPOSE
Dietetic Associate is a health care worker with the knowledge and skills to assist Dietitians in the delivery of nutrition care, enabling them to fulfil their roles effectively in line with the evidence-based practice. The DA supports Dietitians in improving patient’s nutritional status, assists in the provision of food service and delivery of nutrition-related programmes. DA may also serve as a liaison between the Food Services and the Nutrition and Dietetics Services on diet and nutrition-related matters. Overall, DA works within an agreed scope of practice under the direct supervision of a Dietitian to maintain the standards and quality of dietetic service.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Clinical
1. Ensure nutrition screening is carried out appropriately by nurses, with the guidance of Dietitians/Senior DA.
2. Conduct re-screening of patients referred to Dietitian to confirm accuracy, as applicable.
3. Ensure that anthropometric measurements (weight, height, BMI) are taken and recorded by nurses for patients referred to Dietitian.
4. Prepare resources / equipment for nutrition assessment and assist Dietitians with anthropometric measurements, e.g. handgrip strength, skinfold, or mid-upper arm circumference measurement, with the guidance of Dietitians / Senior DA as applicable.
5. Assist Dietitians in collecting relevant background information from case notes, patients, family, or caregivers (e.g. information related to patient’s diet, supplement intake, or tube feeding regimen from nursing home), with guidance from Dietitians.
6. Inform Dietitian-in-charge regarding patients’ concerns or problems encountered when interacting with patients (e.g. report factors that place patients at nutritional and hydration risk during their hospital stay).
7. Assist Dietitians in reviewing patients on nutrition support with less complex nutritional problems.

Care Coordination/Communication
1. Assist with the booking of outpatient appointments and liaison with other community / public agencies as applicable.
2. Follow up on patient non-attendance at outpatient clinic appointments as appropriate.
3. Manage incoming messages as the first point of contact for ward staff, patients, carers, or external healthcare providers.
4. Liaise with nursing / housekeeping and food services to ensure that patients are receiving appropriate meals and snacks.
5. Liaise with nursing and food services to attend to queries regarding patient’s specific meal requirements and/or special requests.
6. Coordinate new hires / students’ orientation to food service and assist in supporting students on food service placements.

Professional, Education and Quality Improvement
1. Deliver basic cooking demonstrations to the public or staff, with the guidance of Dietitians / Senior DA.
2. Assist in training of nurses on nutrition screening, with the guidance of Dietitians / Senior DA.
3. Assist in training of nurses on the correct preparation of oral nutritional supplements, with the guidance of Dietitians / Senior DA.
4. Assist Dietitians in updating the departmental resources, eg. patient education materials and nutritional products information, hospital menu planning, etc.
5. Conduct nutrient analysis of menus, recipes, food diaries etc. using nutrient analysis software, with the guidance of Dietitians / Senior DA.
6. Assist in quality improvement initiatives / audits in collaboration with Food Services / Nursing and/or other relevant stakeholders to improve nutrition care delivery and quality of meals provided to patients.
7. Participate in continuing professional development and competency training as required.

Administration, Organizational and Logistics Management
1. Conduct a routine audit on food replicas and equipment to ensure cleanliness.
2. Ensure that the electronic / online education materials are well-organized.
3. Ensure adequate stock levels of nutritional feeds samples in the department and Dietitian consult room and replenish when necessary.
4. Liaise with representatives from relevant healthcare and food companies to arrange product updates and taste trials (e.g. new nutritional product launch) after discussion with Head of Department.
5. Assist in updating departmental policies and work instructions to document the practices and processes relevant to nutrition care of patients.
6. Attend departmental meetings and take minutes as required

JOB REQUIREMENTS
Education / Training / Experience
i. Diploma in Food Science, Nutrition, Food Service or equivalent
ii. Proficient in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and nutrient analysis software

Attributes
i. Ability to work with other healthcare professionals.
ii. Ability to follow directions and work respectfully with individuals and groups from different cultures
iii. Good communication and interpersonal skills.
iv. Positive and motivating attitude
v. Strong work ethics