Developing a dietetic advanced practice role within a neuro-rehabilitation service

Although advanced practice has been well established in nursing, there is now a drive to develop such roles within other health professions, including dietetics. In 2016, dietitians were granted non-medical supplementary prescribing rights, which can support dietitians working in advanced practice roles. Effective teamwork is vital in neuro-rehabilitation as rehabilitation services work to improve their service delivery model to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of patient care.

To establish a dietetic advanced practice role in one neuro-rehabilitation service.

Review of the literature relating to advanced practice and dietetic advanced practice. Using gap analysis to establish the need for a dietetic advanced practice role within a neuro-rehabilitation setting, as part of a Master's degree-level qualification in advanced practice. To establish evidence of the impact of a dietetic advanced practice role via a patient case study.

There are benefits to service delivery in rolling out advanced practice within the interdisciplinary team, with the potential for increased capacity, capability, productivity and efficiency. As a result of a dietitian working in an advanced practice role in a neuro-rehabilitation service, there was improved access and continuity of care, leading to positive patient outcomes and clinician satisfaction.

Patient care and service delivery can be enhanced by dietitians working in advanced practice roles and as non-medical prescribers for patients with long-term conditions. Further work is required to establish the benefit of dietetic advanced practice and non-medical prescribing in different patient groups and healthcare systems.