“ABSTRACTS 101”

A workshop for individuals considering writing an

abstract for submission to a CANNT National

Symposium

Content for this slide presentation is taken from “Abstracts 101” A handbook for individuals writing an abstract for

submission to a CANNT National Symposium

WRITTEN BYSusan Young, RN, MN

Clinical Nurse Specialist, NephrologyProvidence Health Care – St. Paul’s Hospital

Renal Program, Vancouver, BCAbstracts Chair, CANNT 2003 National Symposium

ANDGlennis Zilm, BSN, BJ, MAFreelance Writer and Editor

White Rock, BC

Copyright © 2004 by CANNT

Overview CANNT National Symposium – 2006 The “Abstracts 101” Handbook The abstract writing PROCESS What happens once an abstract is

submitted? Who is available to help? WRITING an ABSTRACT! Keep in mind – the Abstracts Committee wants you to SUCCEED!

What is an Abstract?

• A Statement of Intent– Lets Symposium Planning Committee

know your topic & preferred format - oral or poster

– Once accepted, the general idea outlined in the abstract, the “intended presentation,” is what you will present

An Abstract –A Brief Communication

of Key Points

Helps “Abstracts Committee” make informed decisions about your proposed presentation

• Helps symposium planners organize program sessions

An Abstract –A Brief Communication

of Key Points

• Communicates about your presentation to individuals who cannot attend

• Abstracts – published in Syllabus and in the CANNT Journal

CANNT Symposium Abstract

In 250 Words or Less • Title of the presentation• Author(s) and their institution• Brief statement of the problem,

situation, or subject to be presented• Approaches used• Outcomes/findings• Relevancy of the topic to nephrology

What does a “Call for Abstracts”

for the CANNT 2006 National Symposium involve?

• An invitation extended to CANNT members & other renal professionals to share their expertise through giving a presentation at the Symposium – The Symposium Planning Committee

extends the invitation and receives all submitted abstracts

– The Abstracts Committee reviews abstracts and identifies those for presentation & presentation form

How does one proceed to write an abstract for the

“Call for Abstracts”?• PROCESS:

– Plan– Research– Outline– Create– Edit– Shine– Submit

PROCESS: Planning• Finding a Topic – Step #1 in Planning• Key purpose of the CANNT National

Symposium – to share nephrology expertise:– Clinical– Educational– Administrative

– Research

So …now is your chance!

When choosing your topic, keep in mind:

• Audience – CANNT membership & other renal professionals

• Theme – “Branching out: Renew, replenish, revitalize”– “Branching out” – demonstrate

leading edge nephrology topics, appropriate for novice through to advanced practice professionals

PROCESS: Research

• Gather Information – Step #1 in Research– Content of your presentation– Writing & submitting to the “Call for

Abstracts”

• CANNT web site: www.cannt.ca– “Call for Abstracts”

• What to include in the abstract • How to format the abstract• Key information to be submitted• To whom & how to submit your abstract

“Criteria – Blind Abstract Review”• Importance of the topic to:

– symposium theme– nephrology patient care– nephrology/technology

• Problem or situation clearly described• Methods/practices/interventions described

& appropriate to topic• Outcomes/results reported• Implications/relevance of findings/

solutions stated• Professional appearance of the abstract

PROCESS: Outline• Make an outline for your abstract by

breaking down the “parts” of an Abstract – the “Abstract Format” of the “Call for Abstracts”

• Title• Author’s name & first author’s institution• Body of the abstract:

– Problem, situation, or subject– Approach used– Outcomes/findings/conclusions– Relevancy to nephrology practice

PROCESS: Create

• Approaches to use to get started writing an abstract– Read examples of abstracts– “Tell a friend” – OR “dictate”

your ideas to a tape recorder– “Required-content outline” –

breaking down the “parts” of an abstract

PROCESS: Create

• Other tips to consider:– Think of 2 - 3, max. 4, key points

• a clear purpose facilitates the selection of material

– Limit content to what can be covered in 15-20 minutes for oral presentations• a vital & often one of the most

challenging aspects of abstract writing

PROCESS: Edit• EDIT: Preliminary Review – The

“First Pass” in the Review Process– Don’t worry about “perfection” at this

stage – simply review the content to ensure that:

• All required content is included• The content flows smoothly from beginning to end• Major points are emphasized• There is consistency between purpose and

conclusion• The abstract does not contain names of products or

companies

EDIT: Peer Review

• Put the draft “on ice” for at least 3 days before reviewing

• Ask 2 to 3 peers to review your draft and give you feedback – Choose reviewers for their knowledge & ability to

give constructive feedback

TIP: if you are asked to be a reviewer a good reviewer is one who gives the benefit of their attention, time, and ideas

EDIT: Final Editing

• Ask someone with editorial experience to review your abstract

• Final Edit checks for:– Spelling, typing, & punctuation errors– Formal accuracy (that “Call for

Abstracts” thing again)– Logical consistency– Technical accuracy

Proofreading – the very last EDIT

• Ask the best proofreader you know to do a final check after you have reviewed all the details

• The “read backwards” trick

PROCESS: Shine• Points to consider when

“Formatting” your abstract– Font– Use of abbreviations– Fitting the abstract in the “box” – not

to be confused with thinking “outside the box”

TIP: make extra copies of “Call for Abstracts Form” for practice writing & printing your abstract

PROCESS: Submit

• Submit abstract as hard copy and disk or CD (Word or WordPerfect) or e-mail

• Ensure your submission is neat, accurate, & includes all requested information

Deadline for abstract submission April 1st, 2006

Mail or e-mail your abstract to:

• CANNT 2006 AbstractsInnovative Conferences & CommunicationsP.O. Box 319,59 Millmanor Place,Delaware, Ontario, Canada N0l 1E0e-mail: hreid@innovcc.c

What happens oncean abstract is submitted?

• E-mail notification– #1 acknowledges abstract received– #2 gives outcome of the review

process & presentation format

• Abstract review process– Abstract Committee – CANNT members

appointed by Symposium Abstracts Chairperson in consultation with the Symposium Steering Committee

– “Blind” review

Publication of Abstracts

• CANNT Symposium Syllabus

• CANNT Journal

Who is available to help?

• Individuals in your Renal Program• Individuals who volunteer as

supports for writing abstracts• Peer reviewers can be people with

whom you work or study• Link with an “Abstract Mentor”