As the international renal care community gathered in Gdańsk, Poland, for EDTNA/ERCA 2026, Diaverum made one of its strongest contributions to date, sharing expertise, research and practical innovations that are helping shape the future of renal care.
With 43 scientific participations from nine countries, a dedicated corporate symposium and contributions spanning clinical practice, patient experience, quality improvement, workforce development and patient safety, Diaverum’s presence reflected both the depth of expertise across its international network and its commitment to advancing patient care.
Taking place during Diaverum’s 35th anniversary year, the congress provided an opportunity to showcase the people, ideas and evidence driving continuous improvement across the organisation. Diaverum colleagues delivered 21 oral presentations and contributed 22 poster and e-poster sessions, highlighting innovative approaches to patient-centred care, quality and safety, workforce development and clinical excellence.
Commenting on the success of the event, Israel Silva, Corporate Nursing Director, Europe & LATAM, said: “The scale of Diaverum’s contribution at EDTNA 2026 reflects the expertise that exists across our global network and our continued investment in advancing nursing practice. From patient experience and safety to quality improvement and innovation, colleagues from across our markets shared practical solutions, research and insights that are helping shape important conversations in renal care. Events like the EDTNA Congress demonstrate the value of learning from one another while working towards a common goal: continuously improving care and outcomes for patients.”
Advancing care through knowledge and scientific exchange
Health literacy emerged as a recurring theme throughout EDTNA 2026, reflecting growing recognition of the role that knowledge, understanding and patient empowerment play in achieving better outcomes and supporting patients to actively participate in their care.
The congress also provided an opportunity for Suzanne Pearce and Maria Tavares to share Health Literacy: A Guide for Professionals in Kidney Care, the book they co-edited to support healthcare professionals in strengthening health literacy and helping patients better understand and manage their care.
Alongside discussions on health literacy, congress sessions explored topics ranging from patient experience and education initiatives to workforce wellbeing, clinical audits, incident reporting, infection prevention and quality improvement. Together, these conversations reinforced the importance of using evidence, innovation and collaboration to drive meaningful improvements in patient care.
“Scientific exchange is essential to the advancement of healthcare. What stood out at EDTNA 2026 was not only the breadth of topics presented by Diaverum colleagues, but the commitment to translating evidence into practical improvements for patients. By sharing research, outcomes and experience, we strengthen our ability to deliver high-quality, evidence-based care across our network”, noted Dr Carlos Lucas, VP Medical for Diaverum.
Recognition for nursing excellence
Recognition also came during the EDTNA 2026 awards programme, where two poster presentations from Diaverum Portugal were recognised among submissions from across the international renal care community. The achievement underscores the strength of nursing-led research across Diaverum and its contribution to advancing evidence-based practice in renal care. Glycemic Monitoring Challenges in Diabetic Hemodialysis Patients: A Nursing Case Study, presented by Ana Veiga, received second place, while Implementation and Evaluation of an Individualised Plan for Arteriovenous Fistula Cannulation with a Structured Technique, presented by Jéssica Serrão, was awarded third place.
Spotlight on innovation in nursing practice
A major highlight of the congress was Diaverum’s Corporate Education Symposium, Transforming Nursing Care: A Quality Leap with POCUS (Point-of-Care Ultrasound).
Chaired by Suzanne Pearce, the symposium featured contributions from Israel Silva, Meshal Alkhulayfi, Anetta Cekała, Mónica Silva, Sokica Gegovska, Anna Alivernini, Judit Hegedus and Mari Paz Sorribes, with the special participation of Dr. Carlos Lucas, Ana Marcalo (Head nurse, Portugal), José Luis López (Nurse, Spain) and Agata Nowak (Nurse, Poland) .
Together, the speakers explored how point-of-care ultrasound can enhance nursing practice, strengthen clinical decision-making and support high-quality, patient-centred care. The session illustrated how innovation in renal nursing continues to evolve, equipping healthcare professionals with new skills and tools that can support better clinical practice and improve the experience of care.
Commenting on the Conference’s success, Suzanne, Corporate Nursing Director for Europe & LATAM, concluded: "One of the most encouraging aspects of this year's congress was seeing nurses actively leading discussions on the future of renal care. Whether through scientific presentations, poster sessions or our symposium on point-of-care ultrasound, colleagues demonstrated how innovation can be translated into everyday clinical practice. The strong focus on health literacy throughout EDTNA 2026 also highlighted the importance of helping patients better understand and manage their health. Together, these conversations reflected a shared commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-centred care and continually improving outcomes for patients."
