Webinar: Unlocking IDDSI
Webinar: Unlocking IDDSI (conducted by Noel Slaughter and Victoria Lecky).
Questions and Answers from Webinar
What are your thoughts on allowing carbonated beverages for mildly thick liquids?
Carbonated beverages can be suitable for residents requiring thickened liquids, whether mildly or moderately thick. Gel thickeners generally work better than powdered options and can trap bubbles, creating a unique texture. Thickened carbonated beverages are acceptable as long as they have been tested to ensure they meet the IDDSI Standards.
What is your recommendation on residents that may not fall into a clear IDDSI level?
IDDSI is a framework, not a substitute for individualized care. If a resident requires a diet that falls between levels—such as a minced diet with bread—this is acceptable if approved by a speech therapist. Ensure all exceptions are documented in the resident’s order. Care plans should always be customized to meet individual needs.
Though we know that IDDSI is intended to have residents at one level. In LTC, with the goal being to provide the least restrictive diet, SLPs often push to have mixed level diets. For example, SB6 diet with MM5 meats. How can this be accomplished in MealSuite?
If mixed-level diets are ordered regularly, then ensure the following;
- Review preparation to confirm that items meet testing requirements (could you add moistener?).
- If dual textures are necessary, request a new texture type in the system. This texture type will then be maintained by your facility (see Maintenance Responsibility of Diet, Texture and Fluid Types).
Similarly, SB6 and lower eliminate bread. The IDDSI framework addresses having RTs individually screened to allow bread if it can be safely consumed. How can this exception be reflected in MealSuite?
Adjustments can be made in the resident’s personal menu once bread is approved.
Is there a bulk function to swap out the entrée, or do you have to do each meal each day?
Currently, there is no bulk function to swap entrées by category. Changes must be made through the personal menu. This functionality is under review for future updates.
Is there an extension for bread allowed? We are having our SB6 residents being reevaluated by our SLP for the inclusion of soft bread no crust.
The best way to manage bread exceptions is through the personal menu.