News
New IDDSI dysphagia diet terminology
AMA members are advised that the names for texture modified food and thick drinks used in Australia are changing this year with hospitals, aged care facilities and industry getting ready to change over to the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) terminology from 1 May 2019. The new IDDSI framework is shown below.
The Australian national terminology for textured modified food and thick liquids has been in place since 2007 and was adopted by organisations around Australia on a voluntary basis. Transition to the IDDSI Framework is also voluntary, with the change to the international framework supported by the Australian IDDSI Steering Committee that includes representatives from Speech Pathology Australia, the Dietitians Association of Australia, the Institute of Hospitality in HealthCare, IDDSI international and industry as best practice to support safety in the management of dysphagia. The IDDSI Framework promotes safety through standard labels and testing methods that reduce the need for subjective judgements.
Speech Pathologists and Dietitians are educating people with dysphagia and their carers about the new IDDSI terminology for thick drinks and foods that are pureed, minced or chopped food for swallowing safety. For concerns about swallowing safety, food choking risk or aspiration please refer patients to a Speech Pathologist. For concerns about nutrition and hydration of patients who need thick drinks or texture modified food, please refer patients to an Accredited Practising Dietitian. For more information about IDDSI please see the IDDSI website or contact the Australian IDDSI Project Officer on email australia@iddsi.org
