The five key components you need to train food service workers on IDDSI
The International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative, or IDDSI, has been a paradigm shift in the world of texture modified foods and thickened liquids since it launched in 2017.
IDDSI adds a new layer of complexity to serving meals with texture modified foods and thickened liquids, not only because of the intricacies of the menu and recipe changes, but also the significant training it requires for food service workers.
As a dining leader or dietitian, you may already have a good grasp of IDDSI. But now, you are faced with developing an IDDSI training program for your team.
To help you streamline the process, we gathered the five key components you need from an IDDSI training program. This is what your team of food service workers needs to start carrying out IDDSI in your organization’s kitchen.
Understanding the foundation of IDDSI
Before we dive into the key elements of an IDDSI training program, it’s important to understand the foundation of IDDSI: the IDDSI Framework.
This framework is a visual representation of the IDDSI texture modified foods and thickened drink levels. The levels were created for individuals who have varying degrees of chewing and swallowing problems.
There are eight texture modified food and thickened drink levels on the IDDSI Framework. The levels range from Thin Liquids (Level 0) to Regular (Level 7) texture foods.
Food levels are on the top of the IDDSI Framework. All IDDSI food levels are represented by the triangle with the tip pointed down. There are five food levels: Liquidized (Level 3), Pureed (Level 4), Minced & Moist (Level 5), Soft & Bite-Sized (Level 6), and Level 7, which includes two food levels: Regular and Easy to Chew.
Drink levels are on the bottom of the IDDSI Framework. All IDDSI drink levels are represented by the triangle with the tip pointed up. There are five drink levels: Thin (Level 0), Slightly Thick (Level 1), Mildly Thick (Level 2), Moderately Thick (Level 3), and Extremely Thick (Level 4).
READ MORE: Best Practices for Starting with IDDSI During the Era of COVID-19
Training food service workers on implementing IDDSI
It’s no secret that putting IDDSI into action is a complex undertaking. A training program that simply describes facts about IDDSI is not enough for your team of food service workers. It’s essential that your training program goes beyond simply sharing information on each IDDSI level.
You need a training program that will give your team a comprehensive structure for how to think about IDDSI. Introducing IDDSI will be a paradigm shift for your team — and likely for your entire organization.
Your team needs a complete system that empowers them to implement IDDSI independently and participate in a culture of safety.
Implementing IDDSI is a challenging endeavor, but if you choose an IDDSI training program with the following characteristics, you’re much more likely to be successful.
1. The training teaches IDDSI in a thorough, clear, and organized way.
A valuable IDDSI training program breaks down the extensive amount of IDDSI information available into an easy-to-understand curriculum.
But, simplicity shouldn’t come at the expense of accuracy or comprehensiveness. An IDDSI training program should give instruction that is both clear and complete. For each IDDSI level you serve, your training should include:
Who the IDDSI level is for and what type of chewing and swallowing problems those individuals have.
How IDDSI defines the characteristics of foods/drinks at that level.
Details on which IDDSI testing methods are used for that level and how to perform them.
2. The training focuses only on what your team needs.
Busy food service workers don’t have time to listen to training that is irrelevant to their day-to-day duties, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A quality IDDSI training program only includes the knowledge and skills that food service workers will incorporate into their daily work.
3. The training empowers multiple types of learners.
It’s vital that an IDDSI training program empowers multiple types of learners, including non-native English speakers and those who have lower literacy levels. The important topics should be reinforced throughout the program with many visual representations of the IDDSI standards for each level. In addition, there should be an opportunity for hands-on experiences with the IDDSI testing.
4. The training fosters independent problem solving.
When your team completes the IDDSI training program, you should feel confident that they are prepared to use the IDDSI testing methods on their own. That’s why the best IDDSI training programs will enable your team to solve problems independently.
At first glance, IDDSI testing methods might seem overwhelming. But, they are actually as simple as using a fork, spoon, and your observation skills.
Your team should walk away from the IDDSI training program feeling confident to develop solutions to IDDSI challenges on the fly — from thickening purees that are too thin to making sure IDDSI Minced & Moist (Level 5) foods are the correct size.
5. The training promotes a culture of safety.
Most importantly, a valuable IDDSI training program promotes a culture of safety.
The best way to train a group of people is to develop a culture among the group members. It’s more effective than just presenting them with facts. This is true for all types of education, but it’s particularly true for IDDSI training because the concepts are new and complex, and there is so much at risk.
In order for IDDSI to be successful, everyone on your team needs to understand why IDDSI is so important. They also need to know that they have a vital role in helping keep those you serve safe from choking.
You’re not simply giving your team IDDSI information. You’re fostering a culture of safety among your team — and increasing the safety of those you care for.
If you make sure your training program has these key components, you’ll be well on your way to IDDSI success.
READ MORE: How Dysphagia Chefs and Dietitians Around the World Are Teaming Up to Tackle IDDSI
Train your team with the Roche Dietitians “We Test for Safety” IDDSI Training Program
As important as it is to train food service workers on IDDSI, there are very few IDDSI training program options out there. And the number of training options with the five key components of quality programs is even fewer.
You could create IDDSI training yourself, but who has the time to do that? For busy dining leaders and dietitians, it’s more efficient and cost effective to use a ready-made training program.
That’s why we created the Roche Dietitians “We Test for Safety” IDDSI Training Program. This training program will equip your team of food service workers to implement IDDSI. And ultimately, it will help keep those you care for with dysphagia safer.
The Roche Dietitians “We Test for Safety” IDDSI Training Program will:
Explain IDDSI concepts in a comprehensive, yet easy-to understand, way.
Give your team the IDDSI information they need — no more and no less.
Empower different types of learners to use the training in versatile settings.
Reinforce important topics throughout the lessons.
Prepare your team to solve problems independently through hands-on learning experiences.
Promote a long-lasting culture of safety.
Start moving forward with IDDSI today
Picture your team one month from now. They feel empowered to implement IDDSI. They’re testing foods regularly and the individuals you care for are safer.
Not only is your team testing frequently, the food quality is better, the individuals you care for are eating more, and the food consistency meets the IDDSI standards.
To put it simply: One month from now, your team is moving forward with IDDSI. Think about the progress you could make in four short weeks.
Are you ready to take your next step with IDDSI? Learn more about the Roche Dietitians “We Test For Safety” IDDSI Training Program here: