This week sees the release of our updated resources for people with dysphagia. Our usual review process has been followed, with checks to the evidence base and clinical practice, resulting in new titles, improved layout and subtle changes to language throughout to ensure clarity about how to achieve a texture modified diet that meets IDDSI criteria. 

These resources were first created in 2019 by a project team involving specialist Dietitians (always involved in our projects) led by a Speech and Language Therapists. Involving both AHP disciplines in the creation and, more recently, the review processes ensures that relevant expertise and perspectives have been brought together to give end users even greater assurance of the efficacy of the resources. As the project lead stated at the time, 'I always feel that as AHPs, we are at our best when working with colleagues from different professions, sharing, combining and enhancing our skills and knowledge.'

In a similar way, another current project has brough dietetic and psychologist expertise together in the development of paediatric weight management resources. Working with the multi-disciplinary team from the Lighthouse Children and Young People’s Weight Management Service (Swansea Bay UHB), the importance of behavioural changes and use of language will form the basis of new guidance for children and young people, and their families.

Whether our projects involve just dietitians or combined with other expertise, the common thread is the structured proven process we follow to ensure that the resources we develop and maintain will meet the needs of the health services who use them, and the patients who follow the guidance.

Therefore, our process could equally be used by other AHPs, either within their own disciplines or as part of multi-disciplinary teams, to generate patient information with the same degree of assurance for the users. We welcome all approaches and discussions on how we can facilitate the creation, maintenance and distribution of clinical patient information.

To discuss your ideas or needs, please contact me via linda.mcphillie@ndr-uk.org.