Running Head: SOP/SOPP Activity

Standards of Practice (SOP) and Standards of Professional Performance (SOPP)

Activity

Caden Mitchell

University of Southern Miss

SOP/SOPP Activity

Purpose

The purpose of this evaluation was to determine the current SOP/SOPP of a

clinical dietitian at UPMC Susquehanna. The SOP/SOPP was then compared to the

actual day to day duties of the clinical dietitian as well as the job description published

for that position. To do so, an interview was conducted and an updated job description

was obtained. From there, current classification of practice (competent, proficient, or

expert) was determined along with any goals for future practice. Finally, an action plan

determining how to achieve each specified goal was fashioned.

SOP/SOPP Evaluation

The current SOP/SOPP that best aligns with the chosen clinical dietitian, Nicole

Treass, RD, LDN current role is Standards of Practice (SOP) and Standards of

Professional Performance (SOPP) for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) in Public

Health and Community Nutrition. This RD/RDNs duties have been outlined by the

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) as the following: An RDN with responsibility

for the nutrition component of the hospitals community education program [using] the

SOP and SOPP for RDNs in Public Health and Community Nutrition (PHCN) as a

resource for personal development to improve competence in providing services to

individuals participating in classes for the community and outreach activities.

Upon obtainment of a job description and completion of an interview it was

determined that a published copy the job description is no longer used. In its place, a

less formal, evolving actions list is utilized because of the variation in daily activities.

This includes a simplified outline of responsibilities consisting of prioritizing patients

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SOP/SOPP Activity

based on level of care (assessment), rounding on all patients specified by level of care

or consult, performing a nutrition focused physical exam, charting on all patients

assessed based on the Nutrition Care Process (NCP), and performing similar duties at

an alternative facility as specified by the clinical nutrition manager. In Nicoles case, this

consisted of perform the same duties on patients in the Oncology Treatment Center

located at Divine Providence Hospital one to two days per week. One addendum to the

current list of duties was noted and included over-the-phone assessment for certain

patients in the Oncology Treatment Center based on availability. When necessary, a

recommendation of a personal consult was made. Overall, it was determined that

Nicoles daily activities and responsibilities closely aligned with the four Standards of

Practice and six Standards of Professional Performance set forth by the AND for Public

Health and Community Nutrition. They have all been outlined in the charts found below

with indication of whether Nicole typically completes these activities.

SOP

Description Job duty this action Completed by the

falls under current RD/RDN?
1. Nutrition The RD will use NCP Yes
Assessment available data and
research to identity
nutrition related
problems.
2. Nutrition The RD will NCP Yes
Diagnosis appropriately
diagnose any
nutrition-related
problems using the
Academy approved
Nutrition Diagnostic
Terminology.
3. Nutrition The RD will NCP Yes
Intervention appropriately plan

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and implement an
intervention for all
specified
diagnoses.
4. Monitoring The RD will track NCP Yes
and progress of the
Evaluation patient and re-
evaluate the patient
and any related
laboratory values.

SOPP

Description Job duty this Completed by the

action falls under current RD/RDN?
1. Quality in The RD provides All Yes
Practice quality services
with guided
leadership,
responsibility, and
resources.
2. Competence The RD displays All Yes
and competence and
Accountability accountability in
the health of
patients
3. Provision of The RD provides NCP Yes
Services safe
recommendations
and services given
the population and
its needs.
4. Application of The RD conducts All Currently, Nicole
Research and or uses applies research in
research and her practice using
scientific evidence designated
in practice. resources that are
based on previous
findings.
5. Communication The RD effective All Yes
and Application communicates with
of Knowledge other health
professionals to
provide the highest

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possible level of
care.
6. Utilization and The RD All Yes
Management of competently and
Resources successfully uses
resources.

Classification of Practice

Upon further completion of the interview it was determined that Nicole is a first

year dietitian. She notes being competent in all four areas of her SOP/SOPP. However,

she noted that she feels that improvement could be made in two areas of her SOPP.

These areas include application of research and quality of practice. She reports being

competent at the given time but would like to develop her skills at utilizing current

research to improve her quality of care. Methods of addressing this issue were

discussed and a plan of viewing 4 new and current research articles per week was

identified as a solution to improve her quality of evidence-based practice. Her official

classification of practice is competent.

Long term goals were also addressed and Nicole stated that she currently has

two long term goals. The first, is to advance to a proficient level of practice and begin to

specialize in her desired field, oncology care. A plan to attain this goal was discussed

and it was determined that Nicole will submit a proposal to increase her exposure with

oncology patients to the clinical nutrition manager. Along with the proposal, an outlined

system of reimbursement and how this will reap innovative benefits for the UPMC

Susquehanna Health System will be discussed. From there, she will apply for

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specialization through the AND and complete the specified hour and examination

requirements. A time line of 5 years was set for completion of the aforementioned tasks.

The second long-term goal acknowledged by Nicole was to reach an expert level

of practice. This will be achieved by first reaching the steppingstone above-mentioned

while continuing her plan for more actively applying research. After continued practice

with all of the abovementioned, her goal will be reached. A timeline of 10 years was set

for this goal.