We recently read about a course that focused on creating pureed diets produced by Dietitian, Rachael Masters. Passionate about nutrition and a keen interest in dysphagia, Rachael wanted to provide a course that provides useful information and practical advice for caterers and people living at home.

We therefore wanted to share what she has done and this is what Rachael has to say about it…

“Preparing pureed or altered consistency diets can seem overwhelming, making sure it is a safe consistency to eat, appealing and packed with nutrition. Focus on Undernutrition have launched new practical online training to support cooks and carers to develop pureed and altered consistency diets, previously delivered face to face to over 700 cooks. Endorsed by the British Dietetic Association and developed by a Consultant Dietitian, supported by a Speech Therapist and expert dysphagia chefs.

Delivered as two modules, this accessible training includes masterclasses, practical catering demonstrations for over 20 pureed recipes; before and after confidence and knowledge surveys and course evaluation. The training incorporates downloadable resources, including activity sheets, all the training materials, recipe books with over 30 level 4 pureed recipes, coursework and certificate. Both practical and written coursework is required for this course which is uploaded onto the training platform and marked by a dietitian. If completed by a family carer, the coursework can be excluded on request.

The training includes:

• What is dysphagia
• What is IDDSI
• Which foods are suitable for different IDDSI levels
• Adapting meals to be suitable for each IDDSI level
• Developing nutritionally balanced menu cycles for level 4 and level 6 diets
• Completing IDDSI testing
• Thickening fluids and completing IDDSI flow tests
• Catering equipment for altered consistency diets (ACD)
• Practical guidance and demonstrations on preparing ACD and IDDSI testing
• Practical videos on over 20 level 4 pureed recipes, including main course, desserts, snacks such as biscuits, scones, sandwiches, afternoon tea.
• Coursework in adapting a menu cycle for level 4 and level 6 diets.

The training is part of the Focus on Undernutrition Catering Course, a six-module course covering menu planning, diabetes, fortified (high calorie/protein) diets, dysphagia, dementia and constipation. The dysphagia modules can be completed as standalone for £100, or part of the whole course for £250.”

To find out more details on Focus on Undernutrition Online training watch https://youtu.be/Hzf8z_pu54w. To purchase the training, email info@focusonundernutrition.co.uk for a registration form to complete.

For further information visit www.focusonundernutrition.co.uk or email info@focusonundernutrition.co.uk

In the meantime, please remember, these meals can be supplemented by our Slõ Milkshakes+ ONS.

A powdered pre-thickened ONS, they will boost nutritional intake with a minimum of 23g of protein, 330+ calories and a mix of 25 essential vitamins and minerals.

They also taste good too. Not too sweet and no metallic aftertaste, they also taste fresh made with cold whole milk from the fridge.

Here in the UK, they are available to prescribe and pip codes are available from the Clinicians Library: www.slodrinks.com/clinicians-library

They can also be bought on our website www.slodrinks.com/shop