Medical Nutritional Therapy 1

Unit code: HHN4002 | Study level: Undergraduate
Credit points
12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
VU Sunshine Clinical School
Prerequisites
HHN4001 - Professional Communication and Behaviour Change Skill
(Or equivalent to be determined by unit coordinator)
Co-requisites
(Corequisite units must be studied concurrently with this unit)
Overview
Enquire

Overview

Dietitians play an integral role in the prevention and management of chronic disease. This unit will allow students to develop knowledge and skills in the management of chronic disease, including, but not limited to, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, respiratory and muscular-skeletal disorders. The pathophysiology, medical and surgical management will be explored along with the role of diet. Utilising case studies, scenarios and role plays, and through application of the Nutrition Care Process, students will develop skills in dietetic assessment, the identification and diagnosis of nutritional problems and set goals for the management of these. Patient-centred, interdisciplinary care planning skills will be developed.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. Critically review and articulate the pathophysiology and clinical management of chronic diseases;
  2. Exemplify the application of the nutrition care process (NCP) in the assessment and diagnosis of nutritional problems related to chronic disease;
  3. Exhibit the application of the nutrition care process (NCP) to formulate and justify patient-centred management goals and strategies for chronic diseases that are integrated with an overall patient care-plan;
  4. Articulate and record relevant information for dietetic care planning in relation to chronic diseases; and
  5. Exemplify professional reflective and collaborative practice with peers and patients.

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type: Exercise
|
Grade: 25%
Dietary considerations for disease states (2 submissions) (Total 1600 words)
Assessment type: Presentation
|
Grade: 25%
Group case study presentation in class (8 minutes + 5 minutes Q&A)
Assessment type: Practicum
|
Grade: 50%
OSCE (30mins) with written notes and reflection

Assessment Task 3 is a hurdle requirement due to the critical importance to demonstrate application of safe dietetic practice (LO 5) in consultations before students undergo their first clinical on-site placement experience. This assessment is scheduled between session 10 and 11 for all students and takes place on campus.

Required reading

Handbook of clinical nutrition and dietetics
Stewart, R. (Ed.). (2022).| Australian Dietitian.

As part of a course

This unit is studied as part of the following course(s):

Bachelor of Nutritional Science/Master of Dietetics
HCND | Bachelor degree | Duration: 4.5 years
Master of Dietetics
HMDT | Masters (coursework) degree | Duration: 2 years

Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course. VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this unit information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that unit information is current with the Student Contact Centre.

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