Nutrition competency framework
Student Learning Outcomes
The Nutrition Competency Framework (NCF), developed at Deakin University was revised and developed and two final versions produced. A simplified version, summarising four knowledge and five skill-based competencies, provides a simple tool for nutrition curriculum-mapping for medical courses. The extended and more detailed version includes resources for curriculum renewal: additional Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs), examples of subject matter to address SLOs, and examples of integration into existing topics. Each of these additional components are matched to individual nutrition competencies as well as the Australian Medical Council (AMC)/Medical Deans Australia and New Zealand (MDANZ) competencies for medical courses.
Nutrition Competency Framework (NCF) for medical graduates
This Nutrition Competency Framework (NCF) is a simple framework that includes 4 knowledge and 5 skill based competencies.
Knowledge based competencies
- K1 Demonstrate understanding of the basic sciences in relation to nutrition
- K2 Demonstrate knowledge on the interactive role of nutrition in health and the prevention of disease
- K3 Demonstrate knowledge of evidence based dietary strategies for prevention and treatment of disease
- K4 Demonstrate awareness of food sources of nutrients, food habits and the cultural and social importance of food
Skill based competencies
- S1 Demonstrate skills in the identification of nutritional risk, nutritional deficits and excesses
- S2 Demonstrate ability to interpret nutrition evidence in a critical and scientific manner and apply appropriately in clinical practice
- S3 Demonstrate ability to apply basic dietary strategies for prevention and treatment of medical conditions and disease and trauma, with recognition that many nutritional issues require specialist management by a dietitian
- S4 Demonstrate the ability to apply principles of ethics related to nutritional management
- S5 Demonstrate ability to work effectively in a team with other health professionals to deliver optimal nutrition care
The Nutritional Competency Framework (NCF) (PDF, 212.1KB)
The NCF has been developed over 4 years by a team of medical and nutrition professionals. The nutrition competencies have been mapped to the current Australian Medical Council (AMC) Graduate Outcome Statement.
We have undertaken extensive consultation with key bodies and refined our NCF as a result of this feedback. Recently we have extended the NCF to provide examples of the range of relevant topics. We have undertaken extensive consultation with key bodies and refined our NCF as a result of this feedback. Recently we have extended the NCF to provide examples of the range of relevant topics.
It is hoped that this framework will provide a useful reference point for entry-level medical courses throughout Australia.
The Nutrition Competency Framework (NCF) describes the learning outcomes for each of the knowledge and skill based competencies for medical graduates. A relevant range of variables provide contexts and environments in which competency could be demonstrated. Important explanatory notes to the NCF include:
- The competencies have been mapped to current Australian Medical Council (AMC) Graduate Outcome Statements
- Owing to the breadth of variables, some may be repeated as they are applicable across many contexts and/or environment to demonstrate competency
- Assessment strategies have been developed
- A medical graduate should demonstrate all competencies by the end of the medical training. Due to various medical training models, time periods (e.g. end year 1) have not been specified.
The term Student Learning Outcome, Graduate Competencies and/or Graduate Attributes may be terms used across various institutions to describe the skills and knowledge students will achieve.