Dysphagia Training
Dysphagia Care Provision in the Context of the IDDSI Framework.
About Course
This course has been designed to provide learners with in-depth information on the new IDDSI Framework, as well as important background information on dysphagia, its prevalence and signs, and how to follow a Speech and Language Therapist’s recommendations.
The IDDSI Framework is a global initiative that is being introduced in Ireland and around the world currently, to allow every care setting to use identical terminology to describe modified food and drinks. Where previous terms such as Grades, Textures, or Stages were used, the IDDSI term Levels will be used instead. It is important that all nurses, care staff, and catering and dining staff are familiar with this new terminology.
Completion of this course will give care providers the skills and confidence to provide safe dysphagia care in the context of the IDDSI Framework.
Who is this training course intended for?
The course is ideal for nurses, care staff, and catering and dining staff, and is accredited both in Ireland and in Australia.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the course participants will be able to:
- Identify dysphagia, and know when to refer for assessment
- Explain the swallow assessment process
- Recognise and use the IDDSI Framework levels
- Be able to follow safe swallow recommendations
- Understand safe feeding practices for assisted feeding
- Enhance the mealtime experience for the person with dysphagia
Course Content
Module 1: Introduction
- Aims and Objectives
- Meet the course presenters
Module 2: The Normal Swallow
- The 4 phases of the swallow
Module 3: Statistics
- Prevalence and incidence of dysphagia
Module 4: Consequences of Dysphagia
- The impact of dysphagia
Module 5: Signs of Dysphagia
- How to identify dysphagia
Module 6: Swallow assessment
- How the swallow is assessed
Module 7: Speech and Language Therapy Recommendations
- Speech and Language Therapy Recommendations
Modules 8, 9, 10, 11, 12: The IDDSI Framework
- The IDDSI Framework
- The IDDSI Flow test
- Individual IDDSI levels
- IDDSI testing methods
- How to thicken fluids
- Transitional foods
Module 13: Speech and Language Therapy Recommendations (part 2)
- Additional SLT recommendations
Modules 14, 15: The mealtime environment
- Safe feeding practices
- Enhancing the mealtime experience
Module 16: Adult Intellectual Disability (optional)
- Specific information for working with this client group
Module 17: Medication
- How medications affect the swallow
- Difficulty taking tablets
Module 18: Oral care
- Tips to address dry mouth
Course Delivery Method
The training is completed online, over a course of 14 key modules followed by an assessment piece. It offers a range of useful and practical information in relation to dysphagia, as well as printable handouts throughout for future reference and learning consolidation.
The course takes approximately 90 minutes to complete.