Abstract
<jats:p>Clinical assessments should comprise both reported information and physical examination, and patients' consent must be obtained at the start of assessment consultations. Reported information may be obtained directly from the person undergoing assessment, their family and/or carers or from medical, nursing, speech and language therapists, pharmacy or social care records. Evaluating the patient's clinical picture provides an overview and helps identify factors that are driving nutritional changes in order to develop appropriate nutrition interventions. The central elements of the clinical assessment include: visual and physical examination; disease state; side effects of treatment that can alter nutritional intake; physical activity; vital observations; medications; and fluid balance. In addition to the core elements of clinical assessment, disease‐specific assessment may be required, and this is often integrated with other assessment components. Specialist dietitians undertaking extended roles, including advanced practitioner, first contact dietitian and supplementary prescriber require additional clinical assessment skills and training.</jats:p>