Updates on modification of food and drink
Back in April this year we shared an important update with our members regarding the changes to the descriptions of modified food and liquid. As you may remember, the Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust issued a Patient Safety Alert regarding the introduction of new liquid and food descriptors for service users who are on modified consistencies and texture diets.
As of 1st April this year, in line with the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI), the words used to describe modified food and liquids changed. This change affects people who have swallowing difficulties. There will be a transition period until 1st April 2019 where swallowing recommendations made by the Speech & Language Therapist will show both the old and new descriptor names.
Warning: Please be extra vigilant during this transition period as there is close similarity between old and new guidance.
You can access NHS Improvement resources to assist with transition to the IDDSI framework here and view the full details and reasons behind the change from the latest June 2018 alert here