Book excerpt: This book provides a comprehensive account of the relevant physiology, pathophysiology, nutritional therapy and dietetic application for each specialist dietetic area. All major specialist areas involved in the the treatment of adults are covered. The first section deals with clinical governance, for example patient-centred care, clinical decision-making and developing evidence-based practice. The second section on advanced clinical practice describes 18 clinical conditions or dietetic areas in detail. There is detailed coverage of 18 clinical conditions or dietetic areas: - The control of food intake and absorption of nutrients - Drug nutrient interactions - Food allergy – allergy and intolerance - Irritable bowel disease (IBD) and colorectal cancer - Short bowel syndrome - Enteral nutrition - Parenteral nutrition - Thermal injury - Nutrition and liver disease - HIV - Palliative care - Renal disease - Diabetes - Obesity - Cardiovascular disease - Stroke - Neurological conditions - Mental health. Each chapter concludes with a section on possible future developments in the specialty, providing insight into 'hot topics', making this an essential text for all working in the field of Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition. Each clinical chapter follows a standard structure: - Learning objectives - Key points summarise important aspects - Case studies with questions and answers help link theory to practice - References and further reading suggestions encourage wider research.