Preparing an Abstract
Supporting the Nursing Clinical Practice
Fellowship (NCPF) sponsored by the Government
of Ontario and the RPNAO
What is an Abstract ?
• An abstract is a statement of your intended
presentation to a conference planning
committee
• Abstracts provides the committee with an
overview of your topic in 500 words or less
Abstracts Include:
Title: How to Zip Line Safely
Author(s): May Fall & Sue Flew
The key points should include:
– Focus: research/non-research
– Significance of the
presentation
– Purpose/outline of the
presentation
– Conclusion or results that are
significant
– Audience this presentation is
relevant
– How the topic relates to the
conference theme
What is a
“Call for Abstracts” ?
• An invitation to
professionals to share
their knowledge and
expertise at a
conference
• Conference organizers
advertise for
presentation
submissions relevant to
the conference theme
or specialty
• The abstract can be
submitted for:
– Poster Presentation
– Oral Presentation
– OR Both
How do I write an abstract?
Three important concepts that will assist in writing an abstract
1.
Review the conference theme or specialty
– Enhancing Geriatrics Care (theme)
– Geriatric Foot Care (specialty)
– Sub-themes/focus (education)
2.
The topic framework:
– two types: research or non-research
3.
Consider the type of audience
– Nursing
– Interdisciplinary
Choosing a topic
Review the purpose of the conference- the theme or
specialty will guide your abstract. The stated themes
from the “Call for Abstracts” should be integrated into
your abstract
Clinical
Educational
Theme
Administrative
Research
Determine the focus or sub-theme of your presentation
Types of Abstracts
Research Guidelines
– Background or significance of problem
– Purpose of investigation
– Methods used to collect and analyze data
– Results of study
– Conclusion, including implications for practice
Types of Abstracts
Non-Research Guidelines
– Statement of the purpose of the project
– Description of the issue/program, technique that will
be presented
– Summary of the major conclusions researched
– Description of the significance and implications for
practice
Researching the Topic
• Topic research is required to both support the significance
of your presentation and to demonstrate it is evidencebased
• Use current and accurate references
– Scholarly journal articles, published texts, research
research results
– Support your work with current research
• within the last 5 years
– Avoid newspaper and magazine articles
– Use Caution with internet sites
• Canadian Celiac Association
• Glenda’s Great Gluten Diet for Celiac Disease
Determine Abstract Content
• Read other abstracts that are relevant- a previous
conference syllabus will provide successful examples
• Abstract title- it must attract interest
• Use the research or non-research guideline to list the
relevance, key concepts and outcomes of your topic
• First draft of the abstract must be completed a
minimum of 1 month prior to deadline to
accommodate review
Developing the
Abstract
Divide the abstract information into three main
paragraphs:
Paragraph One
Statement of Significance:
Why this topic is important
Establish the relevance to conference theme
Paragraph Two
Purpose/Outline:
Two to three key points
that outline your presentation
This presentation will…
Paragraph Three
Conclusion:
Summarize outcomes
Results of significance
Relevance to audience
Reviewing the Abstract
Once you are finished writing the abstract it’s time to
edit, edit, edit….most abstracts require more that
one draft
First Review or Self Review
STEP 1!
Review the “Call for Abstracts” guideline to ensure
•
•
•
•
•
the required content
the correct outline (research/non-research)
Content reads effortlessly
Major points are clear (numbering works well)
Continuity between the purpose and summation
Reviewing the Abstract
Second Review or Peer Review
ROUND 2!!
• Complete a peer review (select a peer or peers with relevant knowledge of
the topic and abstract submissions
• - Provide the “Call for Abstracts” with your abstract
• Expect the reviewer(s) to provide feedback
• Refine your abstract from the feedback and remove unnecessary content
(remember the word limit)
• Ensure adequate time for turn around (1 week)
Final Review
• Abstracts should have a final review by someone familiar with writing
abstracts to ensure:
• Clarity
• Flow
• Unnecessary content is deleted
• Ensure adequate time for turn around (1 week)
Formatting the Abstract
Once you have edited your abstract it is important to
review the “Call for Abstract” guidelines to comply
with the required format
–
–
–
–
12 pt
Arial, Tahoma or Times New Roman
Word or described program
Parenthesis after full word for first time abbreviation use:
electrocardiogram (ECG)
– Use of correct template and template requirements for
submission (fax/electronic submission)
– Word count to ensure that no more that the specified “Call for
Abstract” word count has been exceeded maximum
Submitting the Abstract
• Use a submission checklist if
provided
• Submit prior to the deadline
• Ensure all the requested
information is included
• Discuss conference with your
supervisor for support (poster
cost), scheduling requests and
funding suggestions
Confirmation Notification
• Confirmation of abstract acceptance for a presentation
will only be sent to the first listed presenter once the
selection committee has conferred
• Inform your supervisor of abstract acceptance to
confirm scheduling requests and funding suggestions
• The presenter is responsible to complete and sign a
“Presentation Acceptance and Release and
Authorization” form by the acceptance deadline via fax
(always keep a copy of the fax confirmation)
Abstract
accepted
Responsibilities
• Presenters must pay for registration
• Presenters are responsible for all expenses
incurred for presentation
– Handouts
– Poster publishing costs
– Travel
– Accommodation
References
•
“Abstracts 101” (2004). Retrieved June 9, 2006 from Canadian Association of
Nephrology Nurses and Technologists. Web site: http://www.cannt.ca
•
Canadian Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing Abstract Submission Guidelines (2002).