Dysphagia Game

WHAT IS THE AIM OF THE GAME?

To introduce key facts and practical advice to help health and social care professionals recognise and manage dysphagia safely and more effectively in line with current best practice guidelines. Includes training on the IDDSI (International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative) framework.

WHAT ARE THE KEY MESSAGES?

• Dysphagia can cause patients to aspirate food and liquid into the lungs
• Risks include malnutrition, dehydration, choking, infection, depression, aspiration pneumonia and death
• Knowledge and understanding of dysphagia management is essential to ensure patient safety
• Foods and liquids must be prepared properly (includes training on the IDDSI)

WHO SHOULD PLAY THE GAME?

Any member of health and social care staff working in acute, community or social care settings.

WHAT WILL PLAYERS LEARN?

• The prevalence, causes and impact of dysphagia
• The signs and symptoms of dysphagia
• How to reduce patient risk
• Strategies to improve care management and patient safety
• Includes hands-on activities to teach participants how to prepare food and liquids according to the IDDSI framework
• Strategies to improve care management and patient safety

DEVELOPED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH: NHS England, Nutricia, The Association of UK Dieticians and the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists.

• 2-12 players
• 45-60 minutes
• No specialist facilitator required