Practical Application of the IDDSI Framework: A Spotlight on Indian Cuisine

Dysphagia affects an estimated 8% of the global population and may occur because of a stroke, neurodegenerative disease, traumatic brain injury, or dementia/cognitive decline. The International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI) was established to develop a global standard for dysphagia diets that optimizes patient safety, enhances continuity of care across countries, and improves application of dysphagia research completed in all parts of the world. Dysphagia poses a significant risk for malnutrition, dehydration, and even failure to thrive.

It is necessary that RDNs understand the application of IDDSI to cultural preferences to help patients from all backgrounds. This multidisciplinary session aims to explore how providers can best guide the application of the IDDSI dysphagia diets to individuals from an Indian background.

This session reviews foods and liquids prevalent in Indian cuisine and brainstorm ways of incorporating similar flavors into a texture modified diet. This session aims to help providers understand how to best individualize the IDDSI diet while taking into account a patient’s cultural background.

Planned with the Dietitians in Medical Nutrition Therapy Dietetic Practice Group

CPE Level: Level 2 (intermediate knowledge/experience)
CPEU: 1.0

Performance Indicators

• 12.3.1 Designs programs, interventions or initiatives based on assessment and surveillance data and evidence-based literature.
• 10.3.6 Develops nutrition prescriptions to communicate clients'/patients' customized diet and nutrition needs.
• 1.7.5 Applies knowledge of cultural foods, religious traditions, eating patterns and food and nutrition trends.

Learning Objectives

• Explain the pathophysiology of dysphagia and reasons behind the texture modification recommendations from speech-language pathologists.
• Describe the importance of tailoring IDDSI dysphagia diet recommendations to patients' cultural preferences.
• Educate families or caregivers on meal preparation strategies of Indian dishes for a safe application of IDDSI diets in the home environment.

Moderator

• Shraddha Chaubey

Speakers

• Michelle Dehgan
• Sangeeta Shrivastava