Abstract Writing Workshop Templates
You have done the work and acquired the knowledge, now share your results with your peers and wider community. Disseminating knowledge through conference presentations is the next step in the clinical enquiry process. Abstract Writing Workshops are scheduled throughout 2024. Below are documents used in the workshops, and to help get started and organized.
Abstract Writing Tips
The goal of the Title & Abstract is to Grab the Readers Attention! This can be achieved through consolidating content into easy-to-digest chunks of information.
- Title is succinct, convincing, and engaging.
- First sentence should be powerful.
- Entice reviewers or readers with compelling, understandable writing.
When Considering Authorship,
- Decide who will be the first, or lead author, and the order of the remaining authors
- All listed authors should have:
- contributed to the work,
- AND drafted or reviewed the work,
- AND approved final version,
- AND agreed to be accountable for all aspects of accuracy and integrity
- OR Add as Acknowledgements, rather than author
International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE, 2022). Defining the Role of Authors and Contributors. [website] <accessed April 16, 2024>
Review highly-regarded publications in your field. Many associations publish a special issue of conference proceedings.
- AACN Am J of Critical Care - May issue, NTI research abstracts
- AORN Journal - October issue
- Association of California Nurse Leaders ACNL - Research and EBP abstracts and templates
- ONS - Oncology Nursing Forum - March issue
- Sigma Theta Tau International Repository (See headings on the left, and scroll down to Discover: Subject: EBP)
- Journal of Nursing Scholarship; Worldviews in Evidence Based Nursing
- Western Institute of Nursing WIN Conference Proceedings
- Nursing Research
Well-constructed Abstracts Should Answer the Following:
- WHY was the work important, and what were the issues and scope of the problems? (Purpose/Question(s)/Problem/Aims/Significance)
- WHERE your setting was and what population did you use? (Background/Introduction/Context)
- HOW did you design your research initiative or education initiative? (Methods/Approach/QI Model/Intervention)
- WHAT were the outcomes, findings, and lessons learned? (Results/Outcomes/Significance/Discussion/Limitations or Barriers(
- WHAT NOW and how should others use this information? (Implications/Recommendations)
Think "A-B-C" to Guide Your Writing: Follow the ABCs of Effective Communication
- Accuracy: Mirror the content of your study or project
- Brevity: Outline the major points in as few words as possible
- Clarity: Use clear, consistent and precise language
More Abstract Writing Guidelines
- Write in short, complete sentences
- Use specific terms and define any common jargon or acronyms
- Use digits unless the number starts a sentence
- Use active voice and past tense
Sherman, R.O. (2017). Chapter16: Writing Abstracts For Podium or Poster Presentations. In C. Saver (ed.): Anatomy of writing for publication for nurses. (3rd ed.) Sigma Theta Tau International.
Pietsch, T. (2021). Poster Series Part 1, Writing an Abstract for a Research or QI Poster Presentation. Association of Rehabilitation Nurses. Retrieved August 23, 2023 from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-O75LjadRvw
Connor, L. (2019) Writing an Abstract for an EBP Initiative for a Poster or Podium Presentation. Retrieved October 11, 2023 from https://fuld.nursing.osu.edu/writing-abstract-ebp-initiative-poster-or-podium-presentation
When you have an abstract ready to submit
- Ask - Others to read your abstract before you submit
- Check - Understanding and clarity
- Check - Spelling and grammatical errors
- Check - Consistent use of terms
Some Final Key Points for Abstracts
- Complete and comprehensive
- Sections should interconnect
- Interesting to reviewers and readers
- Generates discussion
- Magnet conference emphasizes Nurse-led projects and efforts around Engagement
- American Association of Critical-Care Nurses conference emphasizes the nurse's role in improving patient outcomes
- Association of California Nurse Leaders conference emphasizes the implementation of leadership strategies to change culture and influence outcomes
- Western Institute of Nursing conference focuses on studying the correlation between nursing interventions and patient outcomes
If you get frustrated, stuck, or cannot find the right words... reach out to mentors for help and advice.
Where to Get Help
- Kimberly Sanchez Kimberly.Sanchez@med.usc.edu
- Andrea Harrow Andrea.Harrow@med.usc.edu
Office Hours: Fridays in the Keck Hospital Hoffman Cafe, 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Conference Calendar
| Nursing Organization, with linked submission guidelines | Submissions Open | Submissions Close | Conference Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| AACN - Am Assoc of Critical Care Nurses - NTI | Jul 22, 2024 | Sep 23, 2024 | mid-May 2025 |
| AANP -American Association of Nurse Practitioners | early May | Jun 25-30, 2024 | |
| ACNL - Association of California Nurse Leaders | Apr 1, 2024 | Jul 31, 2024 | Feb 9-12, 2025 |
| ANCC - National Magnet Conference | Oct 14, 2023 | Dec 1, 2023 | Oct 30-1, 2024 |
| ANPD -Association of Nurses in Professional Development | early Sep | early April | |
| AONL - American Organization for Nurse Leaders | late August | mid-April | |
| AORN -Association of Operating Room Nurses | late July | mid-March | |
| APIC - Assoc for Professionals in Infection Control & Epidemiology | early Dec | early June | |
| ITNS -International Transplant Nurses Society | late Feb | mid-October | |
| NACNS -National Assoc of Clinical Nurse Specialists | late Aug | early March | |
| ONS - Oncology Nursing Society Congress | mid-August | late Sep | late April |
| WIN - Western Institute of Nursing | Apr 17-22, 2024 | ||