NUTRIENT INTAKE REPORT - A COORDINATION OF PATIENT DIETARY ASSESSMENTBETWEEN PHYSICIANS AND REGISTERED DIETITIANS

The Nutrient Intake Report (NIR) is based on a 7-day dietary recall qu estionnaire used previously in research for dietary assessment and ada pted for clinical use. Used to provide information and counseling as p art of total patient care, the NIR acts as a cornerstone for dietary e ducation and interaction between physician, registered dietitian, and patient. The NIR is ordered by physicians or registered dietitians, sc anned and assessed by a registered dietitian, and incorporated into th e laboratory section of the medical record. It documents the patient's dietary intake in the context of his or her diagnosis and general hea lth status. The NIR also opens a dialogue between physicians and regis tered dietitians. Incorporation of the NIR into the medical record mak es the work of the registered dietitian available to other health prac titioners, which is welcome in an era when licensing and reimbursement are contingent on systematic documentation of dietary assessment and its role in patient care.