Pre Conference - 2026 AuSPEN

Ethical Dilemmas in Clinical Nutrition Workshops

Firstly, do no harm!
This workshop will explore the boundary between ethical and medical nutrition.

Through case scenario it will cover the well known areas of ethical dilemma but also explore emerging ethical dilemmas faced by the nutrition care team.

We will explore the dilemma of juggling patient-directed-care and safe nutrition care; and the increasing use of nutrition in medical abuse.

This workshop will have some lectures buy largely scenerio-based discussions including adult and paediatric cases.

Presenters
Varsha Asrani
Darcy Holt
Amin Roberts
Ibolya Nyulasi
Sharon Carey

Blended Tube Feeds

An interactive workshop designed to build clinician confidence in supporting patients who use BTF. Combining hands‑on learning with lived‑experience insights, the session explores how BTF works in real clinical settings.

Participants will review key principles and resources before taking part in a practical recipe‑development activity tailored to common clinical scenarios. Guidance on equipment, food safety and troubleshooting is integrated throughout.

The workshop also addresses challenges faced by families and clinicians, using case studies and consumer feedback to encourage discussion, reflection and practical problem‑solving.

Presenters
Claire Reilly
Phoebe Webster

Beginner Clinical Nutrition Research Workshop

The Beginner Clinical Nutrition Research Workshop is for clinicians interested in gaining a practical starting-point in clinical nutrition research.

The workshop will introduce how to turn real‑world practice questions into clear research questions and provide an overview of common study designs. It will also introduce key concepts such as conducting structured literature searches, interpreting common statistical terms, and evaluating the strength of research findings for clinical decision‑making.

With clear examples and guided tasks, attendees will build their understanding and feel more comfortable engaging with research. No prior research experience is needed, just curiosity and an interest in developing early research skills.

Presenters
Oana Tatucu
Elena George
Suzie Ferrie
Lisa Baker
Annie Curtis
Varsha Asrani

Teamwork, communication and nutrition care in the surgical setting

Optimising nutrition care in gastrointestinal surgery relies as much on clinical expertise as it does on effective, timely communication and teamwork within the multidisciplinary team.

This interactive, case‑based workshop invites participants to explore the realities of collaborating with surgeons, nurses, and broader MDT colleagues to support safe, evidence‑based nutrition care before and after surgery.

Rather than a didactic session, participants will engage in shared problem‑solving, reflect on their own communication style, personality type as well as local practices at their workplace, and discuss opportunities to enhance communication, teamwork and nutrition, with a surgical case as the basis for discussion.

This workshop would also be suitable for those not working in surgery who want to learn more about MDT communication and patient advocacy.

Presenter
Lisa Barker

Paediatric Symposium

13:35-13:50
Vitapaeds project - Vitamins in Paediatric Parenteral Nutrition
Kathleen McGrath

13:50-14:05
IBD Resources - What's new
Katie Marks

14:05 - 14:15
Optimal Nutrition Care Pathway for Children with Chronic Liver Disease
Tanya Collins

14:15 - 14:35
Personalised nutrition in the PICU
Tamara Farrell

14:35 - 14:55
Nutrition in Paediatric ECMO: Balancing Evidence with the Australian and New Zealand Experience
Jemma Woodgate

14:55 - 15:15
Feeding issues in children with food allergies
Marianne Tomlin

15:15 - 15:30
An unusual presentation of food allergy
Kathleen McGrath