PD512 - INTERNATIONAL DYSPHAGIA DIET STANDARDISATION INITIATIVE PROTOCOL AT SOTIRIA GENERAL HOSPITAL FOR CHEST DISEASES; IMPLEMENTATION OF A STANDARDIZED ALGORITHM

PD512

INTERNATIONAL DYSPHAGIA DIET STANDARDISATION INITIATIVE PROTOCOL AT SOTIRIA GENERAL HOSPITAL FOR CHEST DISEASES; IMPLEMENTATION OF A STANDARDIZED ALGORITHM

T. E. Sialvera^1,*, C. M. Kastorini¹, G. Gournaropoulou¹, V. Kostakou²

¹Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, ²Speech-language pathology, Sotiria General Hospital For Chest Diseases, Athens, Greece

Rationale: Managing oropharyngeal dysphagia is vital for patient safety and nutrition. To prevent aspiration and malnutrition, texture standardization is key. This study presents a structured Clinical Algorithm for Dysphagia and Soft Diet Management developed by the Clinical Nutrition and Speech Therapy Departments at "SOTIRIA" General Hospital of Chest Diseases, Athens.

Methods: The Protocol’s success lies in an interdisciplinary, mandatory workflow (Physician > SLP > Dietitian), which formalizes the transition from clinical assessment to nutritional intervention.This ensures that every swallowing evaluation automatically leads to precise IDDSI-aligned prescriptions and synchronized discharge planning. A unique aspect of this implementation is the dual-track diet system: a) The Light Diet: A restricted, smooth-texture diet for acute phases and b) The Dysphagia Diet: A more diverse menu including traditional Greek culinary elements adjusted to IDDSI Levels 0-7 to ensure high patient compliance and satisfaction. The new menus were approved by the Scientific Council of “Sotiria” Hospital.

Results: A standardized and user-friendly Dysphagia Diet Algorithm (Figure 1) was developed to guide ICU and clinical staff. Comprehensive training on this protocol and modified menus ensures effective prevention of malnutrition and dehydration. Additionally, patients receive individualized discharge instructions to maintain safety and nutritional adequacy post-hospitalization.

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Conclusion: "SOTIRIA" General Hospital is the first Greek healthcare institution to fully implement the IDDSI framework, setting a national benchmark. This interdisciplinary approach successfully bridges the gap between international guidelines and clinical practice, significantly improving patient outcomes in dysphagia care.

Disclosure of Interest: None declared