Author: Smith Anita (East Sussex Healthcare)

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT FLUIDS AND DIET FOR PEOPLE WITH SWALLOWING DIFFICULTIES
The International Dysphagia Diet
Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) is
changing the terminology for modified diets and fluids for people who have swallowing difficulties.
This is a global project and the overall aim is to increase safety through bringing all
manufacturers and consumers into
consistent practice by moving away from the subjective UK National Descriptors to IDDSI Levels.
From 21st May 2018 all patients who have modified diet or fluids due to a swallowing difficulty will move on to the new IDDSI framework and the terminology used to
describe their diet and fluids will change.

Why change?

The old descriptors were based on subjective descriptions that were not consistent and open to
misinterpretation and potential risk to the patient.

The IDDSI Levels are defined by measurement using the flow test for Levels 0-3 and the spoon/fork tests
for Level 4.

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What does this mean for patients?

The terminology used to describe food and fluids changed on 21st May.

The scoop size in the tins of Nutilis Clear will also change. New signs will be used to show these changes. Tins of Nutilis Clear will have a red label on top and new smaller green scoops.

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Contact us:

Speech and Language Therapy
Conquest Hospital
01424 755470 ext 8767
Eastbourne District General
01323 417400 ext 4793
Bexhill Irvine Unit
(Hasting and Rother community base)01424 755470 ext 5236
Centenary House, Eastbourne
(Eastbourne, Seaford and Hailsham
community base)
01323 446047
Community stroke teams
Hastings and Rother 01424 735693
Eastbourne, Seaford and Hailsham
01323 514867

For more information on IDDSI:
www.iddsi.org