Introduction & Resource Files |
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. This webpage is a living document. The USIRG continues to update resources to serve your needs as an active participant in IDDSI implementation. Thank you to those respondents of our 2021 Survey; we had well over 1,000 participants.
Are you ready to advance through the IDDSI stages of implementation: Aware, Prepare, and Adopt?
The USIRG is here to help you walk through the following stages:
- News You Can Use Now: Newsletters & social media links
- Advocacy Tool Kit: Getting buy-in at your facility for IDDSI
- Getting Started: The Implementation Process
- Preparing for Regulatory Surveys
- Tutorials and Trainings: Powerpoints & videos
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Contact Us: Reach out to the leaders of USTIRG
The USIRG contents linked here are primarily for healthcare professionals and related departments. Individuals with dysphagia or their caregivers should not use this information as a substitute for consultation with their appropriate healthcare professionals. Consult directly with your physician before beginning any dysphagia treatment, therapeutic technique, or diet modification.
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1. News You Can Use Now |
- US E-Bite Update
- September 2023 Update (pdf, 2023)
- July 2023 Update (pdf, 2023)
- May 2023 Update (pdf, 2023)
- April 2023 Update (pdf, 2023)
- February 2023 Update (pdf, 2023)
- December 2022/January 2023 Update (pdf, 2023)
- November 2022 Update (pdf, 2022)
- September 2022 Update (pdf, 2022)
- August 2022 Update (pdf, 2022)
- June 2022 Update (pdf, 2022)
- May 2022 Update (pdf, 2022)
- April 2022 Update (pdf, 2022)
- March 2022 Update (pdf, 2022)
- January 2022 Update (pdf, 2022)
- October 2021 Update (pdf, 2021)
- September 2021 Update (pdf, 2021)
- August 2021 Update (pdf, 2021)
- July 2021 Update (pdf, 2021)
- June 2021 Update (pdf, 2021)
- May 2021 Update (pdf, 2021)
- April 2021 Update (pdf, 2021)
- Follow IDDSI on Social Media: LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter
- Download the IDDSI app by searching "IDDSI" on your App Store
- Follow the IDDSI YouTube Channel
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2. Advocacy Toolkit: Getting IDDSI Buy-in |
The Advocacy Toolkit provides resources to achieve “buy-in” of IDDSI from administrators and other healthcare workers. IDDSI’s mission is to improve safety across the lifespan and the continuum of care; therefore, please see references and resources on safety and choking.
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3. Getting Started: The Implementation Process |
Getting Started provides resources for assistance with beginning IDDSI implementation.
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4. Preparing for Regulatory Survey |
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5. Tutorials & Trainings |
All powerpoints and videos are free to be used and customized by individuals and facilities for training purposes.
PowerPoints:
Training Webinars (Staff and Caregivers can watch these videos of Powerpoints)
- IDDSI 101 for Administrative Leadership
- IDDSI 101 for Food Service Workers and Caregivers
- IDDSI 101 for Healthcare Professionals
- IDDSI 201 for Healthcare Professionals
- IDDSI 201 for Food Service Workers
For a more informal discussion of IDDSI implementation and busting IDDSI myths, please see this Instagram Live:
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6. Frequently Asked Questions |
Questions have come from healthcare providers around the United States, and some of the points within these answers are specific to the United States and related to the foods and drinks that are typically prepared and served in healthcare institutions.
The United States is made up of people from around the world; therefore, the IDDSI testing methods are recommended to confirm the flow or textural characteristics of any food or liquid product from around the world. Testing is done at the time of preparation and at the time of serving under the specific serving conditions (e.g., at the appropriate temperature).
Check back here often for new FAQs from the USIRG.
- Exceptions: Bread and Mixed Consistencies (pdf, 2022)
- Sauces, Gravies, and Condiments (pdf, 2022)
- Gelatin/Jell-O from the United States (pdf, 2022)
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7. Contact Us |
General Contact Email:
The United States IDDSI Reference Group (USIRG) was formed in November 2020. Over 245 applications were received and many volunteers have committed to help guide, foster, advocate, facilitate and support implementation of IDDSI in the United States of America. The USIRG work teams are:
Work Teams |
Leadership |
Contact Info |
Communications & Advocacy |
Laura Brooks
Katrina Woodward
Amanda Demane
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Email or contact
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Education & Training |
Carolyn Wade
Rene Ruzicka |
Email or contact
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Resources & Best Practice |
Margaret Roche
Mary Casper
Mary Rybicki
Karen Sheffler |
Email for Resource Development or contact
Email for Best Practice Questions or contact
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Research & Data Collection |
Andrea Charvet
Deidre Larsen |
Email or contact
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Interested in volunteering and being on a USIRG work group?
Email or
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Page last updated: December 13, 2023 |