How to Write a Successful Abstract Lori Wiener, DCSW, PhD Co-Director, Behavioral Health Core Director, Psychosocial Support and Research Program Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research National Cancer Institute

Presentation Overview: Types of abstracts Components of abstracts Review criteria Typical methods for scoring

Presentation Types: Oral presentation Poster presentation

Types of Abstracts: Research abstracts Clinical case study Clinical research Systematic literature review Clinical case study Clinical policy/Program evaluation

Research Abstract

Abstract Components: Background/Purpose Methods Results Conclusions Research Implications/Clinical Implications Learning Objectives

Background* The first sentence should clearly introduce the topic. Build on the topic. Summarize previous work, including deficiencies of the existing research. Describe the key research question. * Topic, Purpose, Research Question

Methods: How you conducted your study and what exactly you did. What was the research design? Who were the participants? Where did the study take place? What was the sample size? Control group? What treatments/assessments were administered? How did you recruit participants? Describe primary outcomes measured (e.g. reduced distress, pain, anxiety, depression, fatigue).

Results: Describe the results/findings from your study. This is the most important part of the abstract since readers learn about the findings of your study. Give details. Example: Response rates differed significantly between mothers and fathers of pediatric cancer patients. Example: The response rate was higher in mothers than in fathers of pediatric cancer patients (49% vs 30%, respectively; P<0.01).

Conclusion: The important take home message should be presented here. It should often relate to the primary outcome measured in the study. Describe any additional findings of importance. Do not claim more than the data suggests. The importance of the findings related to clinical work, future research, or the field should be included.

Program Abstract

Program abstract: Background: clinical reason why the program was developed Description of program Findings: evaluations completed if available (approximately 2 sentences) Future directions/needs for your program/future programs (1-2 sentences)

Case Presentation Abstract

Case Presentation: Background referral problem Assessment and treatment plan Results Challenges Clinical significance to field of pediatric oncology social work

Background: The first sentence should clearly introduce the topic. Build on the topic. Summarize previous work (deficiencies of this existing research). e.g. Children with cancer can experience anxiety pertaining to body image changes. Limited research has been conducted in this area. Why the referral was made/client was seen

Assessment / Treatment Plan: Describe your assessment of critical clinical issues. Describe your/team interventions

Results, Challenges, Clinical Significance: Briefly describe the results of your/teams interventions (1- 2 sentences) Describe challenges (1-2 sentences) Clinical significance to the field of pediatric oncology social work (1 sentence)

Review and Revise

Read your abstract all the way through: Add transition words to tie ideas together Eliminate unnecessary content Add things that are missing, Correct mechanical errors Avoid vague adjectives (very, many) Proofread! Have a colleague provide feedback https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3136027/