Introduction to IDDSI - Course Certificate

Upon completion of this course, you can download a completion certificate valid for 2 years from the date of issue. With the purchase of this course you will have access to the course material for 2 years from the date of purchase.   You will also receive a link for the recertification course - which you will use 2 years from now to renew your certificate. 

Comprehensive Curriculum

Gain in-depth knowledge about IDDSI and its practical application.

Interactive Learning Experience

Engage with interactive lessons to enhance your understanding.

Expert Guidance

Learn from the IDDSI Academy faculty with years of experience in dysphagia management & IDDSI.

About the Course

Join our Introduction to IDDSI course designed specifically for all IDDSI users to learn about the IDDSI standard.  Enhance your skills with practical insights and real-world scenarios. With our expert-led curriculum, you will be equipped to confidently use IDDSI in your daily life.  The Introduction to IDDSI course is a collection of eight learning modules in one course. Each learning module is made up of slides called lessons, followed by a single page summary of what you learned in that module, and ultimately followed by a short quiz to ensure that you learned what you need to know.   You will need to score 100% on every quiz to complete the course, but don't worry - we will give you detailed feedback and an explanation for every question so you can easily complete the course. This training module provides information for educational purposes only. The IDDSI is a tool kit for use by people involved in dysphagia care and is not intended to replace clinical judgment or professional practice standards. This material should not be relied on as medical advice or as a substitute for individualized clinical care. Always consult the health professional who manages dysphagia in your part of the world for advice. The International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative disclaims any liability or legal responsibility for the information contained in or referenced by this course, regardless of how that liability may arise.

Meet the IDDSI Academy Faculty

James Ball - UK IRG & Culinary IRG Co-Leader Julie Cichero - IDDSI Co-Founder, Past IDDSI Global Co-Chair Janice Duivestein - IDDSI Global Board Member, Communications Leader Ben Hanson - IDDSI Global Board Member, UK IRG & Food Science IRG Co-Leader Peter Lam - IDDSI Co-Founder, IDDSI Global CEO & Co-Chair Preston Walker - UK IRG & Culinary IRG Co-Leader

Course Curriculum

10 Chapters · 240 Lessons

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 1 - Introduction and How to Navigate

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 1 - Why do people use texture modified food or thick liquids?

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 2 - Learning objectives

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 3 - Introduction: Setting the scene for IDDSI

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 4 - The importance of swallowing

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 5 - Animation showing the normal swallowing process

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 6 - What is dysphagia?

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      Lesson 7 - What is dysphagia, con't?

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      Lesson 8 - Dysphagia and the World Health Organisation

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      Lesson 9 - How many people have dysphagia?

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      Lesson 10 - Conditions associated with dysphagia

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      Lesson 11 - What is the impact of dysphagia?

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      Lesson 12 - Who diagnoses and manages dysphagia care?

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      Lesson 13 - Dysphagia management is a specialized skill

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      Lesson 14 - Dysphagia can affect any or all phases of swallowing

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      Lesson 15 - Dysphagia and the mouth

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      Lesson 16 - Dysphagia and the throat

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      Lesson 17 - Dysphagia and the esophagus

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      Lesson 18 - What does healthy swallowing look like?

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      Lesson 19 - What does healthy swallowing look like in an X-Ray?

    20. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 20 - So what happens when liquid goes down the wrong way?

    21. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 21 - What does it look like when food goes down the wrong way?

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      Lesson 22 - Babies are not mini adults

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      Lesson 23 - Some babies have trouble feeding

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      Lesson 24 - Learning to eat solids

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      Lesson 25 - Teeth and chewing

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      Lesson 26 - Individualized approaches to dysphagia

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      Lesson 27 - Thick drinks

    28. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 28 - Changing food texture

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      Lesson 29 - If you’d like to read more

    30. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 30 - The problem with words

    31. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 31 - The IDDSI Framework

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      Lesson 32 - IDDSI is unique

    33. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 33 - Summary

    34. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 34 - Test your knowledge

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 1 - Module 2 The IDDSI FrameworkDocuments

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 2 - Learning objectives

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 3 - Introduction: Why IDDSI?

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      Lesson 4 - Before IDDSI

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      Lesson 5 - Benefits of standardization

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      Lesson 6 - IDDSI Framework development

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      Lesson 7 - Where can I find more information about why IDDSI developed and how it was developed?

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      Lesson 8 - IDDSI Testing Methods = the key difference

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      Lesson 9 - Testing conditions

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      Lesson 10 - IDDSI is a tool, not a textbook

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      Lesson 11 - Characteristics of the IDDSI Framework

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      Lesson 12 - IDDSI Colours

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      Lesson 13 - The IDDSI Framework image

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      Lesson 14 - More about the IDDSI Framework image

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      Lesson 15 - Transitional Foods

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      Lesson 16 - Using the IDDSI Framework

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      Lesson 17 - Current IDDSI Framework

    18. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 18 - IDDSI Framework and Detailed Definitions Document Orientation - Overview

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      Lesson 19 - IDDSI Framework and Detailed Definitions Document Orientation – Name and Level

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      Lesson 20 - IDDSI Framework and Detailed Definitions Document Orientation – Descriptions

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      Lesson 21 - IDDSI Framework and Detailed Definitions Document Orientation – Why the level might be used?

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      Lesson 22 - IDDSI Framework and Detailed Definitions Document Orientation – Testing Method

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      Lesson 23 - Some IDDSI levels need more than one testing method

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      Lesson 24 - Attention to detail

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      Lesson 25 - Safety = use at least 2 of the 3 identifiers

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      Lesson 26 - IDDSI Abbreviations

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      Lesson 27 - IDDSI is International

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      Lesson 28 - IDDSI translations

    29. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 29 - Examples are just that

    30. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 30 - Why IDDSI Testing methods are essential

    31. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 31 - Some food textures are a choking risk

    32. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 32 - Some foods have parts that will always make it IDDSI Level 7 Regular

    33. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 33 - IDDSI Framework Testing Methods

    34. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 34 - Measuring food texture and drink thickness

    35. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 35 - Using the IDDSI Testing Methods is good for research and clinical practice

    36. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 36 - Measuring liquid thickness

    37. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 37 - Where can I find more information about the science behind IDDSI Flow Test?

    38. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 38 - Measuring food texture

    39. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 39 - IDDSI Testing Methods Development

    40. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 40 - Summary

    41. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 41 - Test your knowledge

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 1 - Module 3 Liquids

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 2 - Learning objectives

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 3 - Introduction

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 4 - Understanding liquid flow

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      Lesson 5 - But be careful about language!

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      Lesson 6 - Thick liquids – a personal choice

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      Lesson 7 - So how thick is ‘thick’?

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      Lesson 8 - Watch how the liquid falls off the spoon

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      Lesson 9 - Compare this to the previous video

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      Lesson 10 - IDDSI has 5 levels for liquids

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      Lesson 11 - Describing and classifying liquids

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      Lesson 12 - Development of the IDDSI Flow Test

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      Lesson 13 - The IDDSI Flow Test is grounded in science

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      Lesson 14 - Read more about the science behind the IDDSI Flow Test

    15. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 15 - Here is a video of the IDDSI Flow test instructions

    16. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 16 - Watch: the flow rate slows as liquids become thicker

    17. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 17 - How should I test liquids?

    18. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 18 - Liquid thickness changes with temperature

    19. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 19 - Use either the IDDSI Funnel or appropriate10 mL syringe

    20. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 20 - Check that you have the appropriate 10 mL syringe

    21. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 21 - Test the IDDSI Funnel or 10 mL syringe before use

    22. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 22 - The IDDSI Flow Test is used for Levels 0, 1, 2, 3

    23. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 23 - Level 0 Thin (White)

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      Lesson 24 - Level 1 Slightly Thick (Grey)

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      Lesson 25 - Level 1 Slightly Thick is for all ages

    26. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 26 - Video Level 1 Slightly Thick

    27. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 27 - Level 2 Mildly Thick (Pink)

    28. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 28 - Video Level 2 Mildly Thick

    29. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 29 - Find videos showing the IDDSI Flow Test on the IDDSI website

    30. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 30 - Neither one level nor the other

    31. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 31 - IDDSI Flow Test: Considerations

    32. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 32 - IDDSI Flow Test: Trouble Shooting

    33. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 33 - Thickener instructions

    34. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 34 - Measure carefully

    35. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 35 - Some liquids need extra thought or caution

    36. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 36 - Milk for babies

    37. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 37 - Phase separation

    38. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 38 - Carbonated liquids

    39. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 39 - Sticky liquids

    40. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 40 - Liquids beyond the IDDSI Flow Test

    41. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 41 - Summary

    42. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 42 - Test your knowledge

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 1 - Module 4 The Overlap Zone: IDDSI Levels 3 and 4

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 2 - Learning objectives

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 3 - Introduction

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 4 - The IDDSI overlap zone

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 5 - IDDSI Level 3 Liquidised/Moderately Thick - as described in the IDDSI Framework and Detailed Definitions document

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 6 - IDDSI Tests for Level 3 Liquidised / Moderately Thick

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 7 - IDDSI Flow Test: Level 3 Liquidised / Moderately Thick

    8. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 8 - Level 3: IDDSI Flow Test

    9. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 9 - The IDDSI Fork Drip Test

    10. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 10 - How to conduct the IDDSI Fork Drip Test

    11. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 11 - Video demonstration: the IDDSI Fork Drip test

    12. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 12 - Level 3 Liquidised / Moderately Thick

    13. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 13 - Temperature affects flow

    14. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 14 - Example of temperature changing the level

    15. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 15 - IDDSI Level 4 Pureed / Extremely Thick - as described in the IDDSI Framework and Detailed Definitions document

    16. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 16 - IDDSI Testing methods for Level 4 Pureed / Extremely Thick

    17. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 17 - The IDDSI Fork Drip Test distinguishes between IDDSI Level 3 and IDDSI Level 4

    18. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 18 - The IDDSI Spoon Tilt Test

    19. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 19 - How to conduct the IDDSI Spoon Tilt Test

    20. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 20 - Video of the IDDSI Spoon Tilt Test

    21. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 21 - Level 4 Pureed / Extremely Thick

    22. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 22 - Moulded Purees

    23. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 23 - Summary

    24. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 24 - Test your knowledge

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 1 - Module 5 Foods

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 2 - Learning objectives

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 3 - Introduction

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 4 - IDDSI Level 7 Regular - as described in the IDDSI Framework and Detailed Definitions document

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 5 - A person who is able to manage IDDSI Level 7

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 6 - There are no testing methods for Level 7 Regular

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 7 - Solid food has been found to cause a choking risk

    8. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 8 - Changes to food alone will not eliminate risk

    9. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 9 - Another way to think about food

    10. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 10 - Some people want, or need ‘soft’ food, without having their food cut into small pieces

    11. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 11 - IDDSI Level 7 Easy to Chew - as described in the IDDSI Framework and Detailed Definitions document

    12. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 12 - IDDSI Tests for Level EC7 Easy to Chew

    13. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 13 - What are mixed consistency foods?

    14. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 14 - IDDSI Level 6 Soft & Bite-Sized - as described in the IDDSI Framework and Detailed Definitions document

    15. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 15 - Requirements for IDDSI Level 6

    16. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 16 - Choking and IDDSI Level 6

    17. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 17 - IDDSI Tests for Level 6 Soft & Bite Sized

    18. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 18 - The IDDSI Fork Pressure Test

    19. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 19 - The Science behind the IDDSI Fork Pressure Test

    20. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 20 - IDDSI Fork Pressure Test with IDDSI Level 6

    21. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 21 - Alternate IDDSI Tests for IDDSI Level 6

    22. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 22 - IDDSI Level 6 Soft & Bite-Sized: Chopstick Test with Brocoli

    23. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 23 - Why do Level 6 Soft & Bite-Sized food particles NOT have to be exactly 15x15x15mm for adults or exactly 8x8x8mm for children?

    24. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 24 - IDDSI Level 5 Minced & Moist - as described in the IDDSI Framework and Detailed Definitions document

    25. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 25 - Requirements to manage IDDSI Level 5 Minced & Moist foods

    26. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 26 - Description of IDDSI Level 5 Mince & Moist

    27. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 27 - IDDSI Tests for Level 5 Minced & Moist

    28. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 28 - The gap between the prongs of a standard dinner fork typically measures 4 mm

    29. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 29 - Level 5: Minced and Moist Testing Methods

    30. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 30 - Why not 4x4x4 mm or 2x2x2 mm?

    31. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 31 - What do I call it if the food passes only two of the three tests for Level 5 Minced & Moist?

    32. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 32 - Summary

    33. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 33 - Optional further reading

    34. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 34 - Test your knowledge

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 1 - Module 6 Transitional Foods

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 2 - Learning objectives

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 3 - Introduction

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 4 - Transitional Foods Description

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 5 - Some common examples of Transitional Foods

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 6 - Why might Transitional Foods be used?

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 7 - Why might Transitional Foods be used, con't?

    8. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 8 - Why do Transitional Foods include several IDDSI levels?

    9. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 9 - Use the IDDSI Fork Pressure Test for Transitional Foods

    10. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 10 - Summary

    11. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 11 - Test your knowledge

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 1 - Module 7 Culinary Considerations for IDDSI

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 2 - Learning objectives

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 3 - Food properties and characteristics

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 4 - Start by looking for parts that are a choking risk

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 5 - Physical properties of food vary a lot!

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 6 - Functional properties of food vary

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 7 - Why we need to use the IDDSI Testing Methods

    8. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 8 - Why we need to use the IDDSI Testing Methods - Different preparation leads to different results

    9. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 9 - Why we need to use the IDDSI Testing Methods con't

    10. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 10 - Seasonal variation and growing conditions can affect the texture of fruits and vegetables

    11. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 11 - IDDSI Testing Methods can detect foods affected by seasonal variation

    12. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 12 - Temperature & Technique

    13. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 13 - Temperature affects food

    14. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 14 - Moisture affects food

    15. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 15 - Moisture affects food - not enough moisture

    16. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 16 - Sauces and gravies add moisture

    17. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 17 - Seepage and mixed consistencies

    18. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 18 - Stickiness

    19. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 19 - Reducing stickiness

    20. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 20 - Re-heating food

    21. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 21 - ‘Ready-to-serve’ texture modified food

    22. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 22 - What about store bought and convenience foods?

    23. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 23 - Food names mean different things to different people

    24. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 24 - Who to connect with when you need more expertise or have questions

    25. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 25 - IDDSI resources

    26. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 26 - Summary

    27. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 27 - Test your knowledge

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 1 - Module 8 IDDSI Audit Sheets

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 2 - Learning objectives

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 3 - Introduction

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 4 - Reminder about temperature

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 5 - Available on the IDDSI website

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 6 - How many audit sheets are there?

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 7 - General introduction to the IDDSI Audit sheets

    8. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 8 - Liquids

    9. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 9 - Level 4 Extremely Thick

    10. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 10 - Level 4 Pureed

    11. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 11 - Level 5 Minced and Moist

    12. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 12 - Level 6 Soft and Bite-Sized

    13. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 13 - Level EC7 Easy to Chew

    14. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 14 - Why do I need to record the temperature?

    15. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 15 - When must a product pass the tests on the IDDSI Audit sheet?

    16. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 16 - Why is it important to test at all time intervals on the IDDSI Audit sheet?

    17. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 17 - What happens if the product passes some of the critical IDDSI tests but not all of them?

    18. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 18 - Example of Level 4 Pureed

    19. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 19 - Here is another example of a product that failed a couple of critical tests

    20. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 20 - If the particles are not reduced… might they meet the criteria for Level 6 Soft & Bite-Sized?

    21. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 21 - Don’t just delete the item from your menu…

    22. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 22 - Summary

    23. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 23 - Test your knowledge

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 1 - How to Get Your Certificate

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 2 - How to Renew Your Certificate

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 3 - How to Share Your Certificate

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