The text covers communications, counseling, interviewing, motivating clients, delivering oral presentations and using media in presentations. Communication is basic to the relationship that the Registered Dietitian (RD) professional has with their clients. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recognizes the importance of communication skills for practitioners to promote health, disease prevention and treatment. Providing people with information on what to eat is not enough, the RD must also promote and facilitate behavior changes to more healthful food choices.
The text incorporates the Nutrition Care Process (NCP) and model, including four steps of nutrition assessment, nutrition diagnosis using PES statement (Problem, Etiology and Signs/Symptoms), nutrition intervention, and nutrition monitoring and evaluation. The PES statements are the most critical in that the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has been stressing this as an essential component of their standards and requirements.
The text uses activities, case studies, self assessment questions, web references and graphics to engage the student and drive the content home.