IDDSI and Safety

The International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI) has worked tirelessly to improve the safety of those with Dysphagia. Congratulations to the large group of staff and even larger group of volunteers who have spread this life saving initiative across the corners of the world.

As a practising speech pathologist for over 30 years, in the disability and aged care space, it was often a challenge to convey information about the, sometimes very minor dietary changes to a resident’s diet or fluids, that kept them safe yet maintained a diet as close to their preferences as possible.

Many a time, a resident perhaps only required that their fluids were modified very slightly, perhaps to ‘slightly thick’. Achieving consistency amongst all kitchen and food staff was often challenging with fluids ‘ending up’ thicker than desired.

The IDDSI standards and testing methods provide a sure-safe way of accurately providing safety and consistency for the resident. Staff too, can feel confident and relaxed that they are always providing a safe meal or snack. This confidence flows onto the resident’s family who has increased trust in those caring for their loved one.

Certainly, a win all round! Congratulations IDDSI.