2.  Involves: › Collecting relevant information › Clarifying the information that has been collected › Identifying risks and issues › Documenting the assessment › Following up as needed

3.  Composed Of: › Review of Health History › Review of Diet Questionnaire › Environmental and Family Information › Anthropometric Measurements › Hematological Values › Review of Previous Goals Set  Completed by qualified staff (RN/RD)

4.  Staff should be competent in 6 areas: › Principles of life-cycle nutrition › Nutrition assessment process › Anthropometric and hematological measuring techniques and interpretation › Communication › Multicultural Awareness › Critical Thinking

5.  Nutrition Management Guidelines  Diet Questionnaire Guidance  WIC Training Modules  www.kansaswic.org www.kansaswic.org

6.  Uses open-ended and probing questions to gather pertinent information  Uses critical thinking skills to prioritize information  Determines what topics are most important to client today

7.  Open-ended Questions: › Not answered with a Yes or No › Less judgmental › Client answers in their own words › Provides options for a variety of answers  Example: What have you heard about breastfeeding?

8.  Probing Questions › Follow-up on answers given › Dig deeper to gain more information › Clarifies information heard/read › Can be perceived as intrusive by some clients Example: Tell me more about why you think your son is a picky eater?

9.  Critical Thinking › The process of analyzing, evaluating and creatively resolving a question › Allows staff to prioritize the information received and focus on that which is most important › Reflects experience and life skills › Applies to a goal

10. Gather pertinent information from all sources Distinguish accurate relevant information Discard irrelevant information Know when to seek additional information Make decisions about risk assignment Develop a counseling plan

11.  Determine what topics are most important to cover today › Clues from client conversation › Anticipatory guidance › Risks identified  Participant-centered but not participant-driven

12.  Directs Nutrition Education that will follow › What topics are important to cover at this time? › What counseling method or teaching strategy will be most effective with this client? › What is the most effective way to deliver the message? › What reinforcement and follow-up will be needed?