NCP = Nutrition care process

There are four steps of NCP :

Step 1: Nutrition Assessment: The first step in the NCP starts  when a referral is made to the dietitian professional.  The key components the dietitian look at are grouped into five categories: food/nutrition-related history; anthropometric measures; labs, medical tests and procedures; nutrition-focused physical findings and client history.   Many dietitians begin by talking with the resident and/or family to assess weight history, usual dietary patterns, any food allergies/intolerances, any difficulties chewing or swallowing and any nutritional concerns.  

Step 2: Nutrition Diagnosis:   A nutrition diagnosis may currently exist or the resident is at risk of occurring.  It is important to note that the nutrition diagnosis is not a medical diagnosis .   The nutrition diagnosis statement should be clear, concise, related to one problem and based on reliable, accurate assessment data.

Step 3: Nutrition Intervention: The third step includes planning and implementing a plan focused on the nutrition problem identified in the nutrition diagnosis. 

Step 4: Nutrition Monitoring and Evaluation: The final step is monitoring the progress that has been made.