The consultant dietitian in nursing homes. II. Functions and change effectiveness.

Data are reported on functions and effectiveness of consultant dietitians in nursing homes. Key responsibilities of the consultants included: Planning and writing menus, in-service training, nutritional assessment, and discussing diets with physicians. Activities performed on each visit to the nursing home were resident visitation and dietary consultation, nutritional assessment, communication with other departments, and checking foodservice and sanitation procedures. Most important activities of the consultant, as perceived by the administrators, were in three functional areas: Menu planning, modified diets, and education and training. Administrators indicated that the most significant change brought about by consultants involved modified diets, menus, sanitation, and communication between the foodservice department and other departments and with the administration.