Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics

"I have to give praise to all the staff from the top to the bottom.  They manage to treat everybody…

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Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics

  • A dietitian or clinical nutritionist is a health professional who is qualified to give specific advice and recommendations on diets that promote well-being and recovery from disease.
  • Dietitians use their knowledge of food, nutrition, health and disease to develop individualised nutritional care plans for clients.
  • Nutrition recommendations are based on scientific studies and evidence-based practice.
  • The professional body for governance of clinical nutritionists and dietitians in Ireland is the Irish Nutrition & Dietetic Institute (INDI).

 The dietitian's role during cancer treatment

  • Dietitians ensure optimum nutrition for patients undergoing or recovering from cancer treatments such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
  • For people with cancer, good nutrition and food intake can improve tolerance to radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and also improve their quality of life.

Dietetic services during cancer treatment include

  • Assessment and education regarding special diets.
  • Management of side effects from treatment.
  • Management of tube feeding.
  • Nutrition education for patients, families and carers.
  • Information on nutrition and diet for cancer support groups.
  • Advice on emerging diet therapies and potential benefits or harmful effects from these diets.

 

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