There are 5 distinct yet constantly interacting phases in the care process.
Assessment: A broad base of relative information about the patient's nutritional status, food habits, and life situation provides the necessary knowledge for making valid initial assessments. Useful information may come from a variety of sol1rces, such as the patient himself, patient's chart, family, relatives, friends, hospital staff and related research.
2. Analysis: The data collected must be analyzed to determine specific patient needs, on the basis of which a list of problems may be formed.
3. Planning Care: The plan for care must always be based on personal needs and goals of the patient, as well as, on the identified medical care requirements,
4. Implementing Care: The patient care plan is put into action according to realistic and appropriate activities. In this case, nutritional care and education will involve decisions and actions.
5. Evaluating and Recording Care: The results are checked carefully (with each activity being carried out) to see if identified needs have been met. Hence any appropriate revision of the plan can be made as needed for continuing care. These results are recorded in the patient's medical record. A clear documentation of all the activities is essential.