Severe Dysphagia Management Policy and Procedure

A severe dysphagia management policy and procedure for NDIS providers delivering high intensity supports. It guides trained, delegated support workers who provide mealtime support to participants with significant swallowing difficulty.

What is inside:

• Policy statement, definitions including silent aspiration and the IDDSI framework, worker requirements and equipment
• Preparation: food and fluids to the prescribed IDDSI level, the flow test and correct posture
• Mealtime support steps, including signs of swallowing difficulty and silent aspiration
• Choking response using back blows and chest thrusts, and when to call 000
• Contraindications, complications and escalation to the speech pathologist
• Infection control and safe preparation and storage of thickened fluids
• Upright positioning for at least 30 minutes after meals and the difference between IDDSI food and drink levels
• Documentation and incident reporting

Good to know: workers must be trained and hold a current written delegation from a speech pathologist or registered nurse before providing this support.

• Reviewed against the current NDIS Rules, Practice Standards and Commission guidance
• Editable DOCX with a placeholder legend, so you enter your details once
• Instant download

These templates are general information, not legal advice. No template can guarantee registration or audit outcomes.