Eating and Drinking with Acknowledged Risk (EDAR)

Eating and Drinking with Acknowledged Risk (EDAR) is a clinical approach used when individuals, often with dysphagia or other swallowing difficulties, choose to continue eating and drinking despite the associated risks.

EDAR is a decision that can be made by the individual and their care team.

Key points

• Right number 7 of the Charter of Aged Care Rights also reinforces the right to “have control over and make choices about my care, and personal and social life, including where the choices involve personal risk”.
• Standard 1 of the Aged Care Quality Standards reinforces the right to make informed choices and be supported to take risks to “live the life I choose”.

Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission have developed a fact sheet for consumers to understand their rights and what they can expect from their care team and aged care provider.

Download: “Informed choice and supported decision making for people who eat and/or drink when there may be a risk”

CareSearch has compiled a clinical evidence summary on Patient Autonomy, Dignity and Choice.

How is EDAR done?

• A healthcare team works with the individual to understand the risks and support their decision.
• A speech pathologist assesses the individual's swallowing.
• The individual and their care team create an EDAR plan.
• The plan includes a nutrition and hydration support plan, and a risk management plan.

Further learning