Lunch and Share Program How to Write an Abstract August 26, 2014

Welcome Welcome & Reminder Welcome to this WCHRI Lunch and Share! For those of you who have been WCHRI supported, please note that participation at WCHRI Research Day (November 12, 2014), is required. Please refer to program guidelines.

How to Write an Abstract Our discussion today will include: The purpose of the abstract, Considerations in writing an abstract, Common mistakes and how to avoid them, Tips on how to produce an effective abstract.

The Purpose of the Abstract The purpose of the abstract is: To instill interest To convey to the (interested) reader your research question, process and outcomes. To help the reader understand the importance of your work

Step 1 Provide a tidbit of tempting bait to get them interested enough to bite (ie: great title, keep reading)

Step 2 Reel ‘em in with a clear and interesting story about what you did, and how you did it

Step 3 Share your results; the answer to your research question

Step 4 If you don’t have an answer, perhaps you can suggest that more work be done, or a different method utilized to catch the fish (er, answer the question)

Abstract Prep So how do you that, when you have rules for everything! Word count Symbol use and formatting issues Authorship limits Confusion about just how to begin

In order to avoid this, let’s start by discussing the following…

Considerations Consider your audience… Your audience may drive the nature in which you present your information. Consider the research… Information should be appropriately presented - make sure that you provide the highlights of the research/ research outcomes.

Considerations Consider the opportunity: While most formats are quite standard, some variation does exist. Please ensure that you follow the instructions provided to capitalize on the opportunity. Where you are expected to select a category, select the most appropriate one. If you are not sure, ask – start with your supervisor!

More considerations… Determining authorship: In general the PI drives authorship. Refer to: “Recommendations for the Conduct, Reporting, Editing and Publication of Scholarly Work in Medical Journal”: Limits may exist on the following: - On the number of authors that may be listed on the abstract, and - On the number of abstracts you may submit total number and/or as a (senior) author. Be sure you are aware of these restrictions.

More considerations… Consider using the chemical or generic name of drugs where use of the trademark names may not be appropriate; Do not include references.

Common mistakes (and how to avoid them) Poorly-written, including – Typographical and grammatical errors; – Lacking important (or essential) information; – Unclear, underdeveloped. Conveys bias Does not meet the submission requirements/or is not compliant with the guidelines So, how do you avoid these mistakes?

Mistakes… Gee, I wonder why….

Tips on how to produce an effective abstract Did you read what the requirements were – from start to finish before doing what you thought was required? Did you work with your supervisor or research mentor to ensure that the requirements are clear and understood? Did you re-read your work – or better yet, get a colleague to?

Tips on how to produce an effective abstract An effective abstract is accurate, brief and clear Gets straight to the point, is focused, and contains precise, appropriate language Does not contain jargon or colloquialisms Defines abbreviations up front (if used) Does not sway the reader with enthusiasm, bias or (worse!) speculation

How to Write an Abstract Standard components of an abstract: 1)Title 2)Introduction (purpose) 3)Methods 4)Results 5)Conclusions

Abstract Size How long should the sections of my abstract be? Title: brief Introduction: brief (a few sentences) Methods: longer Results: longer Conclusions: brief (2-3 sentences) Total word length can vary between words Depending on your project either one of these could be the longest section.

The Title Try dynamic and informative rather than descriptive. This might be the only thing that people read, use this as an opportunity to drawn the readers interest. You have limited space, so make the most of it!

The Introduction (Purpose) This is the shortest part of the body of the abstract and should present: previous studies in the area description of the (specific) problem the study objective(s), the research question

Methods What was done How it was done (study design and tools) What statistical methods were used

Methods Cont…. Include: identify population or target, pharmaceuticals and dosing used, experiments, techniques, surveys, methodology, etc… No outcomes, no results!!

Results This section is used to tell the reader what happened. Present your evidence and stick to the facts (no fish stories)!!

Conclusions This section is the take home message you want the reader to walk away with. Present your results in a meaningful context. Make sure that you tell the reader what you learned.

How to Write an Abstract Take Home Message – Checklist for the Reader Title Is the title dynamic and informative? Did it draw you in and make you want to read the whole abstract? Introduction (purpose) Why was this work done? What were the objectives? Can you state the research question/hypothesis. Methods Did you identify the population or target, pharmaceuticals and dosing used, experiments, techniques, surveys, methodology, etc…? Results Were the results reported for the experiments/technique/surveys/methodology described? Conclusion What is the take home message? Does it answer the objectives and research question proposed in the introduction?

Abstract Requirements Specific to WCHRI WCHRI offers online registration for members participating in Research Day. You may access the registration site at: day-registration day-registration Research Day will be held November 12, 2014 at the Westin Hotel.

Abstract Requirements Specific to WCHRI The WCHRI Research Day registration tool is used to collect registration as well as abstract submissions. You may submit your abstract up to midnight on Friday September 26, 2014.

Abstract Requirements Specific to WCHRI Requirements for submitting your abstract: The tool will accept symbols and special formatting, but you will have to copy and paste them from an original source. You may copy and paste your information from a source document – and you should. You may not exceed 400 words. The presenter does not need to be the first author. You may include up to 10 authors. You may only submit 1 abstract per registrant but you maybe an author on the works of others where appropriate.

How to Write an Abstract Thank you for your attendance at this Lunch and Learn. We look forward to seeing you at WCHRI Research Day!!