FRANC Paediatrics 26

Conversations in Practice

Fresenius Kabi Advanced Nutrition Conference (FRANC) 2026 Paediatrics

As an MSL, one of the most valuable aspects of attending scientific meetings is hearing how healthcare professionals from different centres approach similar clinical challenges. FRANC 2026 Paediatrics brought together more than 150 experts from 32 countries to share perspectives on neonatal and paediatric nutrition and to discuss how evidence is being applied across a range of clinical settings. 

Across two days, delegates explored topics including parenteral nutrition (PN) practices, intravenous lipid emulsions, PN delivery, and the balance between standardised and individualised nutritional care. Just as importantly, the meeting provided an opportunity to compare experiences, reflect on variations in practice, and discuss some of the practical challenges faced by multidisciplinary teams. 

Dr Kathleen Gura from Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, whose work in paediatric and neonatal parenteral nutrition, intravenous lipid emulsions and intestinal failure-associated liver disease provided valuable insights into the importance of evidence-based practice and patient safety. 

A recurring theme throughout the meeting was that while the evidence base continues to evolve, implementation can look very different from one centre to another. Differences in resources, service structures and local pathways often shape how nutritional care is delivered in practice. 

The conversations reinforced the value of bringing together diverse expertise to translate evidence into practice. While local pathways and resources may vary, attendees repeatedly highlighted the benefits of collaboration in overcoming barriers to care, implementing best practice, and ensuring that nutritional interventions remain centred on the needs of patients and families.

One of the strongest messages from FRANC 2026 Paediatrics was not simply the importance of new evidence, but the value of learning how other teams interpret and apply that evidence within their own healthcare systems. 

While local resources and pathways may differ, the discussions throughout the meeting reinforced the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration, shared learning and continual reflection on practice when caring for neonates and children.

Healthcare Professional Perspectives

The discussions at FRANC prompted attendees to reflect on their own services, current practice, and opportunities for further development.

Topics for further consideration and discussions within local practice

One area that particularly resonated with Rachel was the assessment of nutritional requirements in patients receiving home parenteral nutrition. Discussions during the meeting prompted reflection on how nutritional requirements are calculated and reviewed in clinical practice. 

"To look at the various ways of calculating requirements for all our home parenteral nutrition (HPN) patients and how they compare with the balance of nutrients we give in their PN and if they are growing, to ensure we are accurately assessing their nutrition." 

Rachel also highlighted how resource availability can create practical challenges when considering implementation. 

"We have no way to accurately measure energy requirements in the trust as we do not have indirect calorimetry, but I feel this will be a useful review of what we are doing and how we manage our patients." 

Several sessions prompted reflection on current approaches to protein provision, lipid management and nutritional assessment within paediatric practice. 

As a final reflection on the meeting, Rachel commented:

“A really great conference, so much specialist knowledge and sharing of practices across the world, thank you so much for the invitation.”

For Suzanne, one of the most striking aspects of the meeting was the opportunity to hear how different centres approach similar challenges.

It was very interesting to see the many different approaches to practice used all over the world, and more importantly the disparity."

Discussions highlighted how resource availability, supply considerations and service structures can affect implementation of clinical guidance.

Some centres could not align their practices due to barriers to supply, services or funding, which means they must reassess what guidance they can use with certain resources."

Several presentations prompted reflection on local pathways and areas for future discussion, including peripheral PN and standardised PN.

The discussion on standardised PN provided useful perspectives on the evidence base and practical solutions to common implementation challenges. This is a key area I would like to explore further within our service."

As a final reflection on the meeting, Suzanne commented:

Overall, I was very impressed with the breadth of experience and backgrounds of those who attended, the attention to detail and organisation.”

FRANC 2026 Paediatrics was organised by Fresenius Kabi. Attendance and participation were supported by Fresenius Kabi. The reflections represent the personal views of attending healthcare professionals and do not necessarily reflect those of Fresenius Kabi. 

Session recordings and expert interviews have been made available on the Fresenius Kabi Nutrition events platform to support continued knowledge sharing and professional development across the nutrition community. 

https://www.nutritionevents.com/events/franc-2026-pediatrics

For healthcare professionals only. September 2026 GB-NP-2600112