Dysphagia Awareness and Care (inc. IDDSI)

This half-day Dysphagia Awareness and Care course is suitable for nurses and carers.

Course Length. 3.5 hours

Introduction

This half day CPD course explores the physiology of swallowing, recognising and reducing the possibility of choking and aspiration, and the practical ways care staff can assist people living with swallowing issues to promote ‘safer swallowing strategies’.

This training also considers how to make food and drink appealing when modified within the IDDSI scale.

We use an anatomically-correct cross-section model to demonstrate the swallowing function and discuss a range of practical techniques.  Question and answer pages during the training reinforce knowledge and understanding.

Course Contents

Anatomy, physiology and the stages of the swallowing function
Reasons for dysphagia
Identifying swallowing problems
Choking risk assessments
Specialist interventions as required
Person-centred care and practical ways to assist people with swallowing
Food texturising and drink thickening (IDDSI – International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative)
Promoting respect and dignity, including making modified food look appealing
Substitutes for oral foods and drinks

Course Outcomes

Your staff will be equipped with all the relevant knowledge and an understanding of what dysphagia is, how to be aware of its causes, and how to work with a service user living with dysphagia.