Many individuals are suffering from health and social problems because they cannot find the courage to take action and seek a health care professional. In their minds health care professionals do not take into account their feelings or personal problems that may get in between them and their nutritional well-being. A nutrition assessment was designed to focus on these barriers and take into account the patients desires. It is about finding the best plan of action for each patient based on their needs and willingness to change. Keep in mind that a nutrition assessment is only one step in the nutrition care process as a whole.
A nutrition assessment involves four types of data:
- Anthropometric – measurements
- Biochemical – lab work
- Clinical – medical history
- Dietary – personal interview with nutritionist
Nutritional Assessment:
Anthropometric data involves measurements that give numerical values. The most common anthropometric data is weight, height, and skinfold measurements. These measurements allow health care professionals to assess body muscle and fat. The amount of body muscle and fat are key factors in identifying their health risks and their nutritional status.
Biochemical data includes laboratory tests. Such test are blood and urine samples that can also display an individual’s nutritional state. A disadvantage of biochemical data is that it can sometimes give inaccurate results if the patient is taking any medications, has a disease, does not drink enough water, or if they are extremely stressed.
Clinical data is based on the patient’s medical history. This is where the health care professional discusses any acute or chronic illnesses, therapies, procedures, and medications the patient may have undergone. Most importantly, clinical data involves visually checking for signs of malnutrition and or muscle wasting.
Dietary data contains one on one interaction with the patient and the health care professional. This is where a nutrition interview is administered and questions are asked. Questions are asked in order to obtain information on the patient’s lifestyle, food choices, and usual portion sizes.
From these four types of data, a nutrition diagnoses can then be formed. A nutrition diagnoses identifies the problem and the cause of the problem. Once the problem is discovered, a plan of action is then formed. An action plan is designed to fit the patients needs and health status. It is the most effective way to provide the most suitable care for the patient, in hope of helping them gain a better quality of life.
Overall, health care professionals use nutrition assessments as a guideline to provide better quality care. By collecting these four types of data, they are effectively able to change an individuals perspective on health care professionals. It has been known that health care professionals tend to do less while potentially earning more money at the same time. This system ultimately eliminates that stereotype. A nutrition assessment is part of the nutrition care process, which also involves nutrition diagnosis, nutrition intervention, and monitoring and evaluating.
According to the Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition there is a certain algorithm to the nutrition care process:
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The nutrition care process offers strategies to ensure that all patients have a chance at living a high quality life instead of a poor quality life. With this in mind, patients can get the care they need and most importantly the care they deserve.