Patterns of referral and distribution of workload in a dietetic department of a district general hospital

Abstract

Given the present National Health Service reorganization, appraisal of the work of a dietetic department is of current importance. This study provides baseline information and outlines the work of a dietetics service within a district acute‐unit. The majority of dietetics referrals were from medical consultants and general practitioners whereas fewer referrals were received from surgical consultants and other medical specialities. Time allocation for the dietitians was predominantly either patient support (35.0%) or management, administrative and clerical duties (33.0%). Catering related duties accounted for 11.0% of the dietitians time. The type of dietary treatments reflects the general‐hospital's function, with most being qualitative in nature, and few specialist treatments. Patients failure‐to‐attend rate was considerable (15.0%).