How to Write an Abstract for Poster or Podium Submission

Jennifer Hayakawa, DNP, CNS, CNRN, CCRN-K; Jennifer Barrows, PhD, RN

Pediatr Nurs. 2022;48(6):308-310.

Abstract and Introduction

Abstract

This two-part series offers nurses guidance on how to write abstracts for scholarly work that will be disseminated in a professional arena. Part 1 of this series reviews submission of an abstract for a poster or podium presentation.

Introduction

Nurses are ideally positioned to design, develop, and conduct research, evidence-based projects, quality improvement initiatives, education programs, and innovative leadership practices. When nurses are empowered to engage in this work, quality and safety outcomes improve for patients, for the organization, and potentially, for many other health care settings. Regardless of the project type (research, evidence-based practice, quality improvement, education, leadership/management), nurses have a professional and moral obligation to disseminate the outcomes of their work. This is typically done through peer-reviewed publications and poster or podium presentations. A barrier to dissemination is that many nurses lack experience and education on how to share these outcomes. Without proper support and mentorship, the abstract submission process can be daunting. This column offers nurses guidance on how to write a professional abstract to submit for a poster or podium presentation, and to encourage the translation of knowledge into action.

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Abstract and Introduction
What is an Abstract and Where do i Begin?
Ethical Considerations
Abstract Structure, Format, and Flow
Final Words of Wisdom
References

Table 1. Things to Consider When Planning to Submit an Abstract
Who	Identify the target audience. What discipline do you hope to reach? At what level of experience? What message do you want to convey to this audience?
What	Select what type of project you are presenting. Is it an evidence-based implementation? Research? Quality improvement? Case report? Educational intervention? Leadership/management initiative?
When	Consider the timing of abstract submission and presentation. Be aware many conferences send out a call for abstracts months, even up to a year, in advance. Establish goals around the timing of your dissemination.
Where	Decide what conference is the best fit based on audience, messaging, and timing. Consider travel requirements, and work and personal obligations. Consider conference themes and if they align with your project goals.
How	Pick the preferred presentation format. Poster or podium? Conferences have become creative with formatting (interactive posters with embedded hyperlinks, QR codes, and videos) to encourage participant engagement. There may be various podium styles (e.g., lecture, group discussion, roundtable) and lengths (7 minutes up to half-day sessions) from which to choose.

Table 2. General Outline of a Poster or Podium Abstract
Title	The title should be concise, attention-grabbing, and represent the main message. Titles should reflect the type of project (e.g., evidence-based implementation, research, educational) being presented. A good title attracts attendees to read the abstract or attend the poster or podium presentation. Consider linking the title to the theme of the conference. Best titles are short and reflect content of the presentation. Word limits are frequently required (usually less than 10 words).
Background	Begin with the background, significance, or rationale. This should be a global discussion of why this is an important topic. This section includes a brief discussion of the evidence substantiating the problem of interest. Try to connect the topic to the conference theme when one is specified.
Purpose, Aim, or Problem Statement	This section describes the goal of the project. PICOT (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome, and Time) formatting may be helpful to frame evidence-based practice projects or to summarize research questions. Quality improvement, education, and leadership projects should include a problem statement that articulates the problem, when the problem occurred, the magnitude or extent of the problem, and the impact or consequences. Provide a goal statement (e.g., use the SMART acronym: Specific, Measurable, Achievable or Attainable, Realistic or Relevant, and Timely).
Methods	Methods should outline the implementation, data collection, outcome, and measures. For research studies, the methods should justify the experimental design and explain how the results were analyzed. For education or leadership projects the methods should describe the educational or management strategies employed to bring about the desired practice changes.
Results	The results should be stated succinctly and speak directly to the outcomes of the goals outlined in the purpose, aim, or problem statement sections.
Conclusions and Implications for Practice	Briefly discuss lessons learned, identify strengths and limitations, share next steps, describe implications for practice, and generalizability to other settings. Be specific yet concise.
Additional Abstract Requirements	Conferences often request that you submit at least one learning outcome with your abstract. Learning outcomes are usually formatted as: Participants will be able to [action verb] … [learning statement].
	Identify a few keywords. These are used for indexing in databases and should capture the most important aspects of your abstract.
	Include a few current references. Follow any specific guidelines regarding formatting and/or citing of the references.

Note: Always defer to abstract guidelines.

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How to Write an Abstract for Poster or Podium Submission

Abstract and Introduction

Abstract

Introduction

Tables

Tables

References

Authors and Disclosures

Authors and Disclosures

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