IDDSI
Also written as: IDDSI — International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative
An internationally standardized framework that classifies food textures and drink thicknesses on a numbered scale from 0 to 7, used in clinical documentation for patients with swallowing difficulties.
Full Definition
The IDDSI framework, published in 2016 and updated in 2019, replaced the earlier national frameworks (such as the UK National Descriptors and the US National Dysphagia Diet) with a globally harmonised classification system. It describes eight levels: drinks range from Level 0 (thin) to Level 4 (extremely thick), while foods range from Level 3 (liquidised) to Level 7 (regular, easy to chew). Levels 3 and 4 overlap between the drink and food continuums. In geriatric rehabilitation documents, dietary prescriptions must reference the IDDSI level number and label together (e.g., 'IDDSI Level 4 – Pureed'). Editors should flag any use of legacy terminology such as 'minced and moist' without an IDDSI level number, or references to superseded national diet codes.
Usage
Usage note: Always pair the IDDSI level number with its descriptor label (e.g., 'IDDSI Level 6 – Soft and Bite-Sized'). Capitalise 'Level' when used with an IDDSI number. Flag legacy diet terminology in documents intended for post-2019 clinical use.
In Context
- "The dietitian recommended transitioning the patient from IDDSI Level 4 (pureed) to IDDSI Level 5 (minced and moist) as swallowing function improved." — Multidisciplinary rehabilitation meeting note
- "The editor updated all references from the deprecated 'stage 2 minced' terminology to the correct IDDSI Level 5 – Minced and Moist label." — Hospital catering policy document review