Place du diététicien dans l'équipe de soutien nutritionnel : évolution d'une profession

Recognised 30 years ago, hospital nutritional depletion remains a major problem of public health which concerns from 30% to 50% of all patients at admission. The circular DHOS/E 1 n̊ 2002-186 of the 29 March 2002, recommending the implementation of both the committee for food-nutrition (CLAN: Comité de Liaison Alimentation Nutrition) and the nutrition support team within the hospital, is the result of 10 years effort in regard to food-nutrition and the accreditation process in health care. The dietician, previously accountable for the quality of food and dietary services, has now the opportunity to play a leading role within the nutritional care team for the screening and treatment of nutritional depletion. However, the initial training and the present status of the dietician don't allow him to follow this evolution effectively. Updating of his training and the redefinition of his missions seem indispensable to respond to today's health care needs. This will help to ensure that above legal recommendation can be applied.