KOTA KINABALU: An international dysphagia diet standardisation initiative (IDDSI) was recently launched as an effort to better help stroke patients in their rehabilitation journey in Sabah.
This IDDSI menu aimed at regulating dietary nutrition fit for patients, according to the severity of stroke and its effects is a vital part of the stroke rehabilitation continuum programme for Sabah, said state Health Department director Datuk Dr Asits Sanna.
He said the stroke rehabilitation continuum programme is to improve access to information, treatment and intervention at an optimum period in suitable locations for patients depending on the level of their condition.
The programme is the starting point for uniformity or standardisation of a holistic stroke rehabilitation service, involving various interdisciplinary skills in stroke rehabilitation, he added.
“The programme will start implementation in Sabah soon, first from dietary and food preparations for patients. It will commence at health facilities in three hospitals for starters - Kinabatangan, Tenom and Queen Elizabeth Hospital,” said Dr Asits.
Commenting on how the programme is aimed at providing early and quality rehabilitation access to stroke patients, he said this initiative would be the continuation of hyperacute stroke services and the setting up of an Acute Stroke Treatment Unit that is implemented in hospitals under the Health Ministry.
The synergistic impact of the programme from the acute stroke phase is important in efforts to lower mortality and morbidity rates as a result of stroke complications, he added.
The programme would also act as a bridge connecting stroke treatment implementers at the community level, said Dr Asits, adding this module would provide guidance and a clear picture of food intervention initiatives for this purpose in Sabah.
Apart from the State Health Department and the IDDSI implementing committee, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) is also involved in the development of this module.
