An Examination of Knowledge Confidence of the IDDSI Framework and Training Effectiveness in HCA Florida University Hospital Food and Nutrition Services and Collaborating Departments Pre- and Post- IDDSI Department Trainings

Dysphagia is a condition characterized by swallowing difficulties. One treatment is a texture-modified diet (TMD). To increase the effectiveness of TMDs, the International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI) framework can be used. IDDSI is a global initiative consisting of standardized terminology and evidence-based testing methods for TMDs. The use of standardization for classifying texture-modified foods and thickened liquids can improve patient safety and maximize nutritional intake. A challenge is the implementation of IDDSI within in-patient care settings. The objective of this study was to explore the Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) Florida University Hospital staff knowledge confidence in reference to TMDs and training effectiveness before and after multiple IDDSI department trainings assigned by the HCA Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) Department. Secondary aims included gauging understanding, retainment of IDDSI content, and perspective changes of IDDSI and its characteristics. Methods included dispatching two identical surveys, pre-training and post-training, in person with the intent to collect responses by keeping surveys open two weeks before and after training. Eligible staff comprised of employees in the HCA FNS Department and collaborating departments (nursing & speech pathology). Results encompassed fair improvement in knowledge of the IDDSI framework standards exhibited by over 80% response accurateness for majority questions post-survey in comparison to under 55% response accurateness in the pre-survey. Less knowledge was retained regarding the lower levels of modification in the IDDSI framework. Results may have been impacted by smaller sample size, implementation delays, and scheduling. Nonetheless, more research for training to implement IDDSI is encouraged.