Best Practices for IDDSI Language Usage: Insights from USIRG
For clear communication, time efficiency, and patient safety with texture-modified diets, we need to use IDDSI terminology correctly. To help with this, the United States IDDSI Reference Group (USIRG) has developed a comprehensive guide on best practices for IDDSI language usage in diet orders. This resource is designed to help healthcare professionals implement the IDDSI Framework effectively.
See the USIRG Best Practice IDDSI Terminology (PowerPoint) here: https://iddsi.org/United-States#tutorials
Why IDDSI Language Usage Matters
The IDDSI Framework standardizes dysphagia diets globally, facilitating clear communication and safe dietary modifications. Accurate use of IDDSI terminology ensures that all healthcare professionals are on the same page, enhancing patient care.
Key Features of the USIRG Language Usage Best Practices
Hierarchy of IDDSI Terminology:
1. USIRG recommends using at least two identifiers for IDDSI levels, such as the IDDSI icon and descriptive name. This practice helps ensure clarity and consistency in dietary orders. Ideally, the IDDSI icon for each level is best practice. Here you can see that Soft & Bite-Sized is identified in 3 ways, the name, the color, and the level number.
2. When the IDDSI icon is not possible, use descriptive name followed by level number. The best practice is to lead with the descriptive name rather than the number because leading with the number could be confused as referring to a quantity rather than IDDSI level.
Soft & Bite-Sized, Level 6
Soft & Bite-Sized, SB6
3. When space does not allow 2 identifiers, use descriptive name or IDDSI abbreviation
Soft & Bite-Sized
SB6
Dual Terminology Guidelines: During the transitional period, it is best to use both the IDDSI terminology and the old terminology. For example, “Mildly Thick Level 2, Nectar Thick.” This dual labeling helps bridge the gap between old and new practices, ensuring a smooth transition. This can be helpful for those who are late adopters to IDDSI and still using old terminology.
Character Count and Limits: Labels should fit within the character limits for IDDSI abbreviations and terms. The IDDSI abbreviations may need to be used. This ensures that the terminology fits when dining or electronic health record software has character limits.
Collaborative Care: Effective IDDSI implementation requires collaboration among healthcare professionals. Clear communication and documentation are essential to ensure that everyone is on the same page and that patient care is optimized.
Learn More and Stay Updated
The USIRG continues to update resources to support you as an active participant in IDDSI implementation. For a comprehensive understanding and to access the full guide, visit the IDDSI website.
See the USIRG Best Practice IDDSI Terminology (PowerPoint) here: https://iddsi.org/United-States#tutorials
Resources for Implementing IDDSI
Roche Dietitians “We Test for Safety” IDDSI Training Program
We’ll be the first to acknowledge that learning about IDDSI is not a simple process. From the new food and drink levels to the testing methods, it is a significant undertaking to learn these standards, and you need an ongoing process to train your team. That’s why we created the Roche Dietitians “We Test for Safety” IDDSI Training Program.
This program will train your staff on everything they need to know about IDDSI. From an overview of IDDSI with our Introduction course to comprehensive courses on each IDDSI level, your team will be well-versed in all things IDDSI. They will also get to practice testing with our hands-on experiences.
But the Roche Dietitians “We Test for Safety” IDDSI Training Program is not just about sharing facts. It’s about creating a culture of safety in your foodservice organization. This program will give you all of the tools you need to develop a strong IDDSI culture among your team, which will keep individuals safe from choking.
Online training may be a new experience for your organization. Our online training is easy to access and simple to use.
We have the same value for excellence as you, and we have been committed to excellence throughout the entire time we created this course. For over a year, we have worked at putting together this training for your team so that you don’t have to.
The Roche Dietitians “We Test for Safety” IDDSI Training Program is now available for purchase. If you’re not ready to purchase training yet, take the beginning steps of implementing IDDSI with our IDDSI posters.