Abstract Exemplars
To assist you in writing an excellent abstract, we have selected some exemplars in
quantitative, qualitative and methodological research from last year. Please note that
these abstracts were written using last year’s guidelines which separated out Purpose,
Research Questions/Hypotheses, and significance. This year’s guidelines combine
these three areas into the “Introduction.” Please be sure and read the current criteria.
We look forward to receiving your abstracts!
Quantitative Exemplars
Abstract Information
An Examination of Pediatric Psychiatric Emergency Services: A Pilot Study
Presenting author: Jennifer Brown
Presentation Preference: SNRS Poster Presentation
Interest Group: Psych/ Mental Health
Thematic Areas: Child & Adolescent Health
Purpose/Aims: The purpose of this pilot project was to evaluate the feasibility of the
proposed data measurement and collection procedure for identifying emergency
department (ED) pediatric psychiatric service characteristics.
Research Questions/Hypotheses: This study involved the collection of survey data
related to service structure, process, and outcomes of emergency department pediatric
psychiatric services (EDPES). More specifically, this study: 1) Pilot tested the ED
Pediatric Psychiatric Services Survey – a 31-item questionnaire that was developed by
the researcher to obtain information about EDPES characteristics. 2) Evaluated the
measurement of structure (staff and space), process (assessment tools, collaboration,
caregiver/family interaction), and outcome (perceived effectiveness) factors to
adequately capture the interorganizational variability.
Significance: Approximately one in five children experiences symptoms of a psychiatric
disorder during the course of any given year. Although researchers have begun to
examine aspects of EDPES, they have focused almost exclusively on adult
populations. Despite the significant benefits of acute screening and early intervention,
evidence indicates less than 20% of pediatric clients who suffer from mental disorders
are receiving appropriate treatment. With EDs serving as the primary access, there is a
critical need for research related to pediatric EDPES.
Methods: This study used a cross-sectional design that retrospectively examined
pediatric EDPES. The sampling frame was a census of all nongovernmental hospitals
that offer emergency services in Virginia (n=71). ED nurse managers were solicited to
participate as the respondent for the organization, as well as an additional administrator
from a third of the hospitals was asked to assess reliability.
Findings: Analyses include descriptive statistics, correlations, chi-square and analysis
of variance tests to identify and compare hospitals' pediatric EDPES characteristics.
Discussion: Upon completion, the results will provide essential preliminary data for the
development of a larger study of pediatric EDPES that will examine associations of
proposed “best practice” structural and process components of EDPES with patient and
organizational outcomes.
Research Completed: Yes
Abstract Information
Family Functioning and Heart Failure Caregiver Outcomes
Presenting Author: Sandra Dunbar
Presentation Preference: SNRS Podium Presentation
Abstract Categories: Interest Group: Health Promotion/ Self-care
Thematic Areas: Adult Health
Purpose/Aims: To examine the associations among HF severity, CG
sociodemographic, clinical, and family functioning (FF) variables, and CG outcomes.
Research Questions/Hypotheses: Can CG outcomes of depression and perceptions of
life change be predicted by FF, sociodemographics and patient severity of HF?
Significance: Family functioning has been associated with caregiver (CG) outcomes in
other cardiac populations such as stroke, however little is known about the influence of
these factors in heart failure (HF) caregivers.
Methods: HF patient-CG dyads (n=77) were recruited. HF patients were men (64 %),
Black (65 %), NYHA class II (77 %), age 55 ± 10 years. CGs were women (79%), age
52.6 + 13 years, and 44% were spouses. CG variables and measures included
depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory; BDI-II), perceived life changes
(Bakas Caregiving Outcomes Scale; BCOS), and the global family functioning (GFF),
communication (COM) and problem-solving (PS) subscales of the Family Assessment
Device (FAD). Multiple regression analyses were used to predict CG outcomes of BDI-II
and BCOS scores by FAD subscales after controlling for CG age, gender, history of
antidepressant use, and HF patient NYHA class
Findings: CG BDI-II scores ranged from 1 to 30, mean 7.6 + 6.7; 17.6% had scores
reflecting moderate depressive symptoms. The lower the BDI-II, the higher the BCOS
(r=-.44, p=.001). Regression analysis yielded an adj R2 of .17, (F1,62=11.3, p=.001)
with lower PS (p=.001)as a predictor of higher BDI-II. Lower family PS (p=.000) and
younger CG age (p=.02) were predictors of lower BCOS scores indicating negative
perceptions. PS accounted for more variance in BDI-II nd BCOS than COM or GFF
scores.
Discussion : Family CGs experience varied depressive symptoms and perceived life
changes. The lower the CG depression, the more favorable the caregivers' perceived
life changes. Younger caregivers and families with poor problem-solving skills are at
higher risk for worse outcomes. Family-focused interventions aimed at enhancing
problem-solving may improve HF CG outcomes.
Research Completed : Yes
Qualitative Exemplar
Abstract Information
"Being a Heart Transplant Kid": Comparing Parent and Child Views
Presenting Author: Angela Green
Presentation Preference: SNRS Podium Presentation
Interest Group: Parent-Child
Thematic Areas: Child & Adolescent Health
Purpose/Aims : The purpose of this qualitative study was to describe the quality of life
(QOL) of school-aged heart transplant recipients.
Research Questions/Hypotheses : Research questions were: 1) how do children and
parents describe children’s QOL after heart transplant? and 2) how do children's and
parents’ descriptions compare?
Significance : Despite the morbidity associated with heart transplantation, few
published studies describe transplanted children’s QOL.
Methods : Purposive sampling was used to recruit parent-child dyads from a transplant
clinic in the Southern U.S. Children were between 6 and 12 years of age and at least 1
year post transplant. The investigator conducted separate semi-structured interviews
with parents and children using parallel interview guides. Interviews were audio
recorded and transcribed verbatim. Sampling ceased when saturation was achieved.
Data were analyzed using constant comparison.
Findings : Eleven ethnically diverse parent-child dyads participated in the study.
Children described their lives as “mostly good” and described “activities” and being with
friends and family as most important to their QOL. They also described the negative
impact of the transplant regimen on their QOL, particularly aspects that were painful or
frightening. Parents described the children’s QOL as “really very good” and “like a
normal child’s.” The parents identified normal activities, “keeping them healthy,” and
social support as most important to the children’s QOL. Parents described “struggles”
associated with the transplant regimen, but did not believe these impacted children’s
QOL. Parents were more positive than the children and underestimated the impact of
the transplant on the children’s QOL. While parents and children agreed on the
importance of activities and family and friends, parents alone identified normalcy and
health.
Discussion : Parents and children were overall positive about school-aged children’s
QOL after heart transplant. The actors identified as most important to the children’s
QOL provide a focus for interventions aimed at improving children’s OL post heart
transplant.
Research Completed : Yes
Methodologic Exemplar
Abstract Information
Heuristic Inquiry: Discovering Human Experience
Presenting Author: Gayle Casterline
Interest Group: Qualitative
Thematic Areas: Methods
Purpose/Aims : The nature of heuristic inquiry is phenomenological, originating as a
process of internal search through which one discovers the nature and meaning of
human experience (Moustakas, 1994). The heuristic methodology seeks to discover the
heart and depths of a person’s experience – portraying events and relationships,
thoughts and feelings, values and beliefs – recreating the lived experience from the
frame of reference of the experiencing person (Moustakas, 1990).
Research Questions/Hypotheses : While qualitative methodology is gaining in scientific
importance, few nursing studies are published that represent the heuristic mode of
inquiry.
Significance : The heuristic research method is different from other qualitative methods
that guide human science research. It begins with the self-searching of the researcher,
a reflective and passionate awareness of and personal experience with the
phenomenon of interest.
Methods : There are six steps to the process: initial engagement, immersion,
incubation, illumination, explication, and creative synthesis. In addition, heuristic inquiry
is not limited to first-person narratives, but may also include a collection of stories,
poems, personal diaries, music, artwork, and other personal documents that depict
personal experience.
Findings : The presenter will discuss each step of the process, using examples from
completed research on the experience of the act of praying. Furthermore, the presenter
will demonstrate the use of imagination and insight in assembling an esthetic rendition
of the themes and essential meanings of the phenomenon through poetry and music.
Discussion : The purpose of this presentation is to discuss how heuristic inquiry is a
valid methodology for nursing research which allows the researcher to become
intimately and autobiographically related to the research question, ultimately creating an
atmosphere of connection and engagement that inspires participants to express,
explore, and explicate the meanings that are within their experience.