International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the Association of Nutrition & Foodservice Professionals and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association support ongoing interprofessional collaborative practice to implement the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative since its official launch in May 2019 in the United States. IDDSI is an international collaboration of professionals who developed a standardized framework for labeling texture-modified foods and thickened liquids.

Recognizing that total IDDSI implementation will take time and effort, the Academy, ANFP, and ASHA are committed to supporting its members during their transition. The United States IDDSI Reference Group (USIRG) was formed in November 2020 with the goal of facilitating and supporting implementation of IDDSI in the United States and Territories over the following 1–2 years. Representatives of the Academy, ANFP, and ASHA engage with the USIRG in ongoing implementation efforts across the country.

The International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative created standardized terminology and definitions for texture-modified foods and thickened liquids to improve safety and care for more than 590 million people worldwide living with dysphagia, a swallowing disorder.

"The Academy, our members and our multidisciplinary colleagues look forward to incorporating this new framework to help those suffering from swallowing disorders," said registered dietitian nutritionist Diane M. Enos, the Academy's Chief Learning Officer.

Dysphagia can occur at any time throughout a person's life. The most common causes are related to underlying medical or physical conditions. In severe cases,

"We understand that adoption and implementation will take some time, so IDDSI resources, containing best practices, are available to help health professionals promote change in their facilities," Enos said. 

United States IDDSI Reference Group

The official launch of IDDSI in the United States of America began May 2019. The United States IDDSI Reference Group (USIRG) would like to help guide your facility or organization through IDDSI implementation. The USIRG continues to update resources to serve your needs as an active participant in IDDSI implementation. Access all the resources.

Nutrition Care Manual^®

No matter what step a nutrition professional is on, the Nutrition Care Manual^® offers unique IDDSI materials to simplify a facility's transition. Note: A subscription is required to view the rest of the Nutrition Care Manual^®.

Full NCM^® Transition to IDDSI Framework by October 2021

The International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative created global standardized terminology and definitions for texture-modified foods and thickened liquids to improve the safety and care for individuals with dysphagia, a swallowing disorder, which affects an estimated 560 million people worldwide. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association jointly supported May 1, 2019 as the official launch date for IDDSI implementation in the United States.

It is imperative that all healthcare providers globally implement IDDSI, both to ensure patient safety and to maintain current standards of practice. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is pleased to announce beginning October 2021, IDDSI will be the only texture-modified diet recognized by NCM^®. The National Dysphagia Diet and associated resources will no longer be included in the NCM^® past October 2021.

IDDSI.org

The IDDSI website provides information on the framework, testing methods, FAQ and implementation resources. The site also produces a monthly newsletter containing the latest news in the IDDSI community.

electronic Nutrition Care Process Terminology

The eNCPT nutrition intervention terminology was updated in 2017 to reflect the diet concepts developed by IDDSI. You can review these terms in the eNCPT. Note: An eNCPT subscription is required to view the terminology.