RSL IDDSI Drinks solution
PRESS RELEASE JULY 2023
Introduction
For individuals living with dysphagia, a swallowing disorder that affects their ability to consume food and drinks safely, finding suitable options can be a challenging and sometimes frustrating experience. However, a brand-new solution has emerged in the UK market, offering hope and convenience to patients with dysphagia. Refreshment Systems Limited has introduced a unique push button drinks solution that caters specifically to the needs of individuals with dysphagia, providing them with a range of hot and cold beverages in various flavours, customized to meet their specific IDDSI (International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative) levels. Let's explore this groundbreaking innovation and the benefits it brings to patients and caregivers/clinicians alike.
The need for specialized dysphagia catering
Dysphagia affects a significant number of people in the UK, with estimates suggesting that approximately 8% of the population may experience some form of swallowing difficulty. This condition can have a profound impact on a person's overall quality of life, affecting their nutritional intake, hydration levels, and social interactions. Providing safe and enjoyable drinking options for individuals with dysphagia is crucial to ensuring their well-being and improving their overall satisfaction.
Introducing RSL’s ProjectFIT IDDSI drinks solution
The ProjectFIT Team has recognized the unique challenges faced by individuals with dysphagia and has developed an innovative push button drinks solution to cater to their needs in conjunction with colleagues in Belgium through Bravilor and the UK with RSL. This groundbreaking system offers a range of hot and cold beverages with a variety of flavours, ensuring that patients no longer have to compromise on taste or enjoyment. By adapting the drinks to different IDDSI levels, the solution guarantees that each beverage delivered is of the precise consistency required by the patient, providing peace of mind for both patients and their caregivers/clinicians.
The solution comprises of a counter-top machine which takes specially formulated ingredients based on a range of flavours. The machine is then programmed to deliver against the IDDSI drinks levels at the push of a button.
The benefits of the ProjectFIT IDDSI drinks solution
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• Consistency of Product: By automating the preparation process, the ProjectFIT solution ensures that each drink is consistently prepared according to the required IDDSI level. This consistency is essential for patients with dysphagia, as it allows them to anticipate and enjoy their preferred beverage without any unexpected variations.
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• Exact IDDSI Levels: The push button drinks solution is designed to meet the strict guidelines set by the IDDSI, ensuring that patients receive the appropriate viscosity and texture for safe swallowing. This attention to detail minimizes the risk of choking or aspiration, providing individuals with dysphagia with a worry-free drinking experience.
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• Automation vs. manual preparation: Traditionally, preparing dysphagia-friendly beverages involved manual labour and time-consuming processes. The ProjectFIT solution streamlines this process, significantly reducing the time and effort required to prepare each drink. This automation not only saves valuable resources but also allows caregivers/clinicians to focus more on the overall care of their patients.
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• Labor and cost benefits: By eliminating the need for manual preparation, the ProjectFIT solution offers cost and labour benefits to healthcare facilities and caregivers/clinicians. The reduced labour requirement frees up valuable staff time, enabling them to dedicate more attention to patient care. Additionally, the streamlined process reduces the overall cost of preparing dysphagia-friendly drinks, making it a financially viable option for healthcare providers.
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• Amylase-resistant products: Another noteworthy advantage of the ProjectFIT solution is its amylase-resistant feature. Amylase, an enzyme found in saliva, can break down thickened fluids over time, altering their consistency. The amylase-resistant properties of these products ensure that the beverage maintains its desired viscosity throughout the consumption period, making it safer and more enjoyable for patients.
Exciting flavors and future innovations
ProjectFIT offers a wide range of flavours to cater to diverse taste preferences. Patients can choose from delightful options such as Orange, Apple & Peach, Lemon Tea, Coffee, and Tea. These flavours not only provide enjoyment but also encourage patients to stay hydrated and maintain proper nutrition.
Moreover, RSL and ProjectFIT are committed to continuous innovation and plans to introduce even more exciting flavours in the near future. This dedication to expanding their range ensures that individuals with dysphagia will have access to an ever-growing selection of enjoyable and safe beverages.
The future is bright…
The ProjectFIT push button drinks solution is a game-changer for individuals with dysphagia in the UK. By offering a diverse range of hot and cold beverages in various flavours, tailored to specific IDDSI levels, this innovative solution provides consistency, safety, and enjoyment. The automation and amylase-resistant properties of these products not only deliver numerous benefits for patients and caregivers/clinicians but also contribute to improving the overall quality of life for individuals with dysphagia.
RSL is a leading supplier of solutions in the UK, their range includes Hot Beverage/Coffee machines, Vending, Ward Beverage Trolleys, Water Coolers and is also now the UK distributor for the ProjectFIT IDDSI drinks solution.
RSL has been leading the way in providing a range of solutions into the UK Care Home, NHS and Private Healthcare markets for over 50 years. RSL is still a family run business with nationwide coverage.
With RSL leading the way, the future of dysphagia catering looks brighter than ever before.
For more information please visit:
https://www.refreshmentsystems.co.uk/machine/dysphagia-coffee-machines/