Dysphagia and IDDSI standards with hands on practice

This course is for Staffordshire Adult Social Care providers delivering care to individuals in Staffordshire or for individuals outside of Staffordshire receiving care funded or commissioned by Staffordshire County Council.

Course Dates

Dysphagia and IDDSI standards with hands on practice - 19th August 2025 - 09:30-17:00 -  Beaconside Conference Centre (Uttoxeter Suite) Education And Enterprise Park, Beaconside, Weston Rd, Stafford ST18 0BF

Dysphagia and IDDSI standards with hands on practice - 16th September 2025 - 09:30-17:00 - Beaconside Conference Centre (Uttoxeter Suite) Education And Enterprise Park, Beaconside, Weston Rd, Stafford ST18 0BF

Dysphagia and IDDSI standards with hands on practice - 6th October 2025 - 09:30-17:00 -  Beaconside Conference Centre (Uttoxeter Suite) Education And Enterprise Park, Beaconside, Weston Rd, Stafford ST18 0BF

Dysphagia and IDDSI standards with hands on practice - 18th November 2025 - 09:30-17:00 - Beaconside Conference Centre (Uttoxeter Suite) Education And Enterprise Park, Beaconside, Weston Rd, Stafford ST18 0BF

Dysphagia and IDDSI standards with hands on practice - 11th February 2026 - 09:30-17:00 - Beaconside Conference Centre (Uttoxeter Suite) Education And Enterprise Park, Beaconside, Weston Rd, Stafford ST18 0BF (Tickets to be released later in the year)

Dysphagia and IDDSI standards with hands on practice - 11th March 2026 - 09:30-17:00 Beaconside Conference Centre (Uttoxeter Suite) Education And Enterprise Park, Beaconside, Weston Rd, Stafford ST18 0BF (Tickets to be released later in the year)

How to book this training

To book a training event, add it to your cart, there will be an option to choose a training session and "purchase" it from the storefront, if there is only one training session available for that course, you will automatically be enrolled on to that session and if there are multiple dates available then you will be prompted to select an available date. Please note there is no cost for this training.

Session Details

This training is being held at:

Beaconside Conference Centre (Uttoxeter Suite) 
Education And Enterprise Park,
Beaconside,
Weston Rd,
Stafford,
ST18 0BF

Course Aim and Description

Aim: To gain a complete understanding of dysphagia management using IDDSI standards

By successfully completing this course you will be able to:

•             Understand the difference between a normal swallow and an abnormal swallow

•             Understand what is dysphagia, the signs and symptoms associated with this condition

•             Identify common causes and underlying medical conditions associated with dysphagia

•             Understand the implications of dysphagia on a person’s health and wellbeing

•             Explain the risk factors of aspiration and choking and list some strategies to prevent them

•             Describe the importance of maintaining adequate hydration and nutrition with safe and efficient swallowing function

•             Explain why is early detection of dysphagia is important

•             Understand the importance of the individual’s diet history in the dysphagia assessment process

•             Explain about the process of assessment and screening of dysphagia

•             Participate in a group discussion – real life examples and best practices to manage dysphagia in different care settings

•             List the relevant legislations in the UK

•             Explain the importance of safe management of food production for people affected by dysphagia.

•             Understand what is the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI), impact, causes and consequences

•             Describe the IDDSI framework and levels

•             Understand the rationale behind texture modification of food and drink according to IDDSI levels

•             Understand texture modification of food according to IDDSI levels

•             Participate in texture modification and demonstrate your knowledge by testing the texture compliance with IDDSI levels

•             Understand texture modification of drinks  according to IDDSI levels

•             Participate in texture modification and demonstrate your knowledge by testing the texture compliance with IDDSI levels

•             Explain the importance of promoting independence and dignity of all the service users

•             Understand the importance of proper positioning during meals

•             List the equipment and assistive devices which can be used to support individuals with dysphagia

•             Explain how to use and maintain dysphagia-specific equipment effectively

•             Explain the need to gain education and training on safe swallowing strategies and diet modifications

•             Understand the safe feeding techniques

•             Understand how environmental factors impact safe swallowing

•             Understand why is communication and collaboration important

•             Explain how to communicate effectively with individuals and team members

•             Understand the need to collaborate with other healthcare professionals

•             Describe the importance of documentation and accurate record-keeping

•             Explain the process of documentation of assessment results and recommended interventions

•             Describe why you should regularly monitor and review the swallowing function and dietary tolerance of the individual

•             Understand how to recognise and respond to choking incidents and implement emergency protocols

Booking Changes

Please note, by booking onto this training course you are committing to attending at the referenced date and time. Your space on this session has cost Staffordshire County Council and while there is not a cost to yourself or your organisation, public funds have been utilised to fund the training. 

If you cannot attend, you can send someone in your place but we will require notification so we can update the course register. 

If you are unable to attend or send someone in your place, we ask for 7 working days’ notice in order to have the opportunity to offer this space to others. 

All bookings or unenrolment changes should be emailed to cmdt@staffordshire.gov.uk

Car Parking

Please note that car parking is free on the day, however you must register your car registration when entering the venue, there are QR codes available in the foyer of the venue. If you don't do this, you will be charged.

Refreshment's

Refreshments will not be provided on the day, however there are shops close by and a cafe on site.

If you have any additional requirements, such as the need for British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation or mobility requirements, please let us know in advance so that we can make the necessary arrangements to accommodate your needs.

Waiting List

If this course is fully booked, or you are unable to attend of the available dates, you can request to be added to the waiting list.