When to refer to a Dietitian

It is important for health professionals to recognise and identify the key times to refer to a Dietitian.  Nutrition is essential for every aspect of health and wellbeing.

The sooner these signs are noticed, the sooner a referral can be made, the better the outcome will be for the consumer.

Malnutrition

• Unintentional weight loss >2kg
• Wounds that won’t heal
• Loss of muscle mass, frailty
• Loss of appetite, fatigue

Chronic Kidney Disease

• Keeping to fluid restrictions
• Change in bloods (potassium, sodium, phosphate) that require dietary input/education on food choices

Dementia

• Carer Fatigue, inability to keep well nourished
• Ideas on meal planning to keep it simple

Reflux/GORD

• Heart burn
• Nausea
• Excessive belching
• Bloating after eating

GOUT

• Swollen, red, tender joints
• Overweight
• Excessive alcohol intake

Diabetes

• Recently prescribed with insulin
• Uncontrolled BGL’s
• Education on food choices/nutritional adequacy

Texture Modified Meals 

• Dysphagia / IDDSI changes
• Meal Preparation

IBD/IBS

• Recently diagnosed or require dietary input for Colitis, Chron’s disease, diverticulitis, FODMAPS.

Cancer

• Changes in taste, fatigue, weight 

Obesity / Overweight

• Strategies on weight loss
• Education for healthy lifestyle interventions