1. PURPOSE OF THE ROLE:
To provide comprehensive, evidence-based medical nutrition therapy (MNT) to patients in accordance with hospital policies and the standards of the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) and Department of Healthcare Professions (DHP), ensuring optimal patient care, recovery, and health outcomes.
2. SCOPE OF PRACTICE:
The Clinical Nutritionist is responsible for the assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of nutritional care for inpatients and outpatients, in collaboration with the multidisciplinary healthcare team.
3. KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
3.1 Clinical Responsibilities:
- Perform nutritional screening and comprehensive assessments upon patient admission
- Develop and implement individualized nutrition care plans based on clinical diagnosis
- Provide medical nutrition therapy (MNT) for acute and chronic conditions including but not limited to:
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Renal disorders
- Gastrointestinal diseases
- Malnutrition and obesity
- Prescribe and monitor therapeutic diets
- Manage enteral and parenteral nutrition in coordination with the medical team
- Monitor patient progress and revise care plans accordingly
3.2 Patient & Family Education:
- Provide structured nutrition counseling and education
- Educate patients on dietary modifications and lifestyle changes
- Participate in health promotion and disease prevention programs
3.3 Multidisciplinary Collaboration:
- Participate in clinical rounds, case discussions, and care planning
- Coordinate with physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals
- Support continuity of care across departments
3.4 Documentation & Compliance:
- Maintain accurate and timely patient records and nutrition documentation
- Ensure compliance with hospital policies, clinical guidelines, and DHP regulations
- Adhere to patient safety, infection control, and quality standards
3.5 Quality & Professional Development:
- Participate in clinical audits and quality improvement initiatives
- Maintain continuous professional development (CPD) as per DHP requirements
- Stay updated with evidence-based nutrition practices
4. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor’s or Diploma Degree in Clinical Nutrition / Dietetics
- Valid license or eligibility from the Department of Healthcare Professions (DHP), Qatar
- Minimum 2–4 years of hospital/clinical experience
- Certification in Clinical Nutrition (preferred)
5. COMPETENCIES:
- Advanced knowledge of Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT)
- Clinical assessment and critical thinking
- Effective communication and counseling skills
- Ability to work within a multidisciplinary healthcare team
- Strong documentation and organizational skills
6. WORKING CONDITIONS:
- Hospital inpatient and outpatient settings
- Participation in clinical rounds and shift duties (if required)
7. AUTHORITY & ACCOUNTABILITY:
- Accountable for the nutritional management of assigned patients
- Responsible for maintaining professional standards and ethical practice