HAPPY BIRTHDAY IDDSI

It is hard to believe that it has been 10 years since the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) was founded. They have played a pivotal role in the standardisation of food and fluid modifications for those affected by a swallowing difficulty.

Having worked in the aged care and disability sectors since the 1980’s, having a standard that can be easily followed by carers, is a massive relief, for the safety of our clients. The IDDSI also empowers those carers to feel comfortable and assured that they are offering food and fluids that are safe for their clients.

Of course, the level of food and fluid modification needs to be established by a qualified speech pathologist, but once established, the recommendations can easily be adhered to. 

How it all started: 

In 2013 a group of passionate volunteers came together with a goal of developing new international standardised terminology and definitions to describe texture modified foods and thickened liquids used for individuals with swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) of all ages, in all care settings and in all cultures.

After 3 years of work based on evidence and global feedback, the IDDSI Framework evolved and was released in 2016 and published in 2017. Feedback from the global community led the IDDSI Board of Directors to revisit and update the framework to the current IDDSI Framework (published 2019) which incorporates Level 7 Easy to Chew. Framework descriptors for each level were developed and supported by simple measurement methods (testing methods) that could be used by people with dysphagia or by caregivers, clinicians, food service professionals or industry to confirm the level a food or drink fits into.

Current IDDSI Framework completed and published 2019

Key messages about the IDDSI Framework

• Descriptive NOT Prescriptive. 

• The IDDSI Framework and documents should be viewed as providing a standard way of describing and testing food textures and drink thickness commonly used for individuals with eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties. 

• It should not be viewed as a prescribed diet.

We at Safe Swallowing Education wish IDDSI a very happy birthday and congratulate them on the achievement of their goal, spreading this valuable standard worldwide.

Reference https://www.iddsi.org