Use IDDSI Audit Tools Regularly: A Key Step for Mealtime Safety
Top Tip Tuesday: Use IDDSI audit tools regularly IDDSI audit tools
Supporting individuals with dysphagia (swallowing difficulties) requires food and drinks being served in a way that reduces risks of choking and aspiration.
This is our third week of sharing practical safe swallowing tips to support carers, nurses, and aged care teams in improving mealtime safety. These tips are designed to be simple, practical, and easy to apply in real-life settings.
What Are IDDSI Audit Tools?
The IDDSI framework provides structured audit tools to help teams check whether food and drinks meet the required texture levels.
These tools are designed to:
guide consistency in food preparation
support staff in checking texture accuracy
reduce variability across different staff and shifts
They provide a clear and standardised way to confirm that meals are appropriate before being served.
Why Regular use of IDDSI Audit tools Matter
Even when staff are trained, inconsistencies can still happen.
For example:
different staff may prepare food slightly differently
busy environments may lead to shortcuts
textures may change during plating or serving
Regular use of IDDSI audit tools helps ensure that standards are maintained over time.
How can IDDSI Audit Tools Support Mealtime Safety
Using audit tools can help:
identify inconsistencies early
support safer food and drink preparation
improve team awareness and accountability
promote consistent care across staff
This contributes to a safer and more supportive mealtime environment.
Simple Ways to Implement This
To make audit tools part of daily practice:
print out IDDSI audit tools so that staffs can easily access the tools
have it readily available in the kitchen and dining room
have metal dinner fork, teaspoon, IDDSI funnels readily available to support IDDSI testing
Consistency is key. Small, regular checks are more effective than one-off reviews.
The Role of Dysphagia and IDDSI Training
Understanding how to use audit tools is an important part of IDDSI training.
Training helps staff:
understand IDDSI levels more clearly
use audit tools confidently
recognise when something does not meet the standard
respond appropriately to concerns
Ongoing education supports long-term improvements in care.
Final Note
If you are unsure about food or drink textures, or how to implement IDDSI audit tools, it is important to seek guidance from a speech pathologist.
Improving knowledge of the IDDSI framework through IDDSI training is an important step towards safer, more consistent mealtime care. Check out this article to see if your facility may require IDDSI training:
