IDDSI Level 1 ONS Labels
Mathew Done
Sent from Sl?: Drinks Founder. Dysphagia only means drink differently, not have different drinks!
IDDSI Level 1, Slightly Thick flow rate is increasingly being prescribed to patients. It provides a perfect last step for a patient to progress onto ordinary – thin fluids.
Whilst transitioning to thin fluids, patients can still need to supplement their nutritional intake. As a direct result we created our Sl? Milkshakes+ ONS at IDDSI Level 1 and it’s the only ONS labelled as such on prescription.
There are lots of ONS available that claim to be an IDDSI Level 1. However, the packaging does not feature an IDDSI Level and they can only be used after reading a long list of warnings.
As you can imagine, at point of use, this would cause confusion, especially in a care facility with multiple carers. They know their client(s) is still recovering from dysphagia and still needs thickened fluids. Why are they having an ONS that does not have an IDDSI flow rate?
These risks are unnecessary and avoidable.
As direct result and to make life easier for prescribers, carers and patients, we added IDDSI Level 1 to our ONS range and clearly labelled them IDDSI Level 1.
Each packet features clear pictorial/ written instructions and details about temperature. You can therefore be confident it is safe for your patient to swallow and help them boost their protein levels by a huge 27g.
They should enjoy them too. Not too sweet, no metallic aftertaste they taste good made with whole fresh milk from the fridge.
It’s another small thing that we hope makes a big difference.