[Dysphagia] [Fwd: standardized diets]

[mary.joan.mcclure at ncmail.net (Mary Joan McClure)]

Given the lack of responses to my question regarding dysphagia diets
(message in total follows), I am assuming that most facilities ARE NOT
using any kind of "standardized" manual for diet preparation (e.g.,
National Dysphagia Diet). If your facility is not using such a system,
do you have "in-house" diet levels, or is each diet truly
individualized? If the former, how were the levels decided upon? Who
recommends the diet levels? If the latter, how does your dietary
department handle the demand? Finally, why has your facility decided not
to use some sort of standardized diet?

As mentioned before, your responses will be shared with a
multi-disciplinary task force examining practices in our residential
facility. Again, your responses are much appreciated - 
Mary Joan McClure

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: standardized diets
Date: Wed, 17 Jan 2007 08:58:34 -0500
From: Mary Joan McClure <mary.joan.mcclure at ncmail.net>
To: dysphagia at b9.com
References: <be7.c3ca9a8.32dbb147 at aol.com>

Does the facility at which you work use any kind of widely
recognized, "standardized" manual for preparing diets for people with
dysphagia?  If so, what is it (e.g., National Dysphagia Diet, Maryland's
or South Carolina's Diet Manuals for Long Term Care Facilities)?  Do you
use the recommended names of the diet levels, or just the preparation
guidelines while assigning your own names?  Also, if you have time,
please address how/why the facility decided to use that particular
protocol.

We're evaluating procedures at our facility and are trying to decide
which manuals we will review.  Your responses will be shared with a
"task force" made up of SLPs, OTs, dietitians, nurses, and other
professionals.  Thank you very much for your help.

Mary Joan McClure, MS, CCC-SLP
Director of Speech, Language & Hearing Services
Murdoch Center