Abstract 101: Submitting an Abstract

Transcription

1 Abstract 101: Submitting an Abstract to the Symposium Ann Laramee MS ANP-BC ACNS-BC CHFN Co Chair for the Nursing Research and EBP Symposium 1 QI abstracts SQUIRE Guidelines (Standards for QUality Improvement Reporting Excellence) Google Or find on our website:

2 General Pearls Follow guidelines to tee Remember this is all the reviewer has to go on This takes time plan ahead Careful proof reading!! Ask someone else, not in your field to proofread Set aside for a few days and read again Avoid too many abbreviations Use structured formats Get a mentor Review examples of abstracts submitted 3 Abstract Guidelines a) One page, 8.5 x11 using 12 Times Roman font b) One inch margins all around c) Use the following headings: Title, Authors, Purpose of Study Rationale and Significance Description of Methodology Subjects Findings Conclusions Recommendation for Future Study 4 2

3 Please evaluate the clarity and scientific accuracy of each section of the abstract. Purpose Not seen (0) Poor (1) Good (2) Excellent (3) Rationale or significance Methods Subjects Findings Conclusion Recommendations for future study Reviewer Comments (please make): Total Reviewer Score: /21 possible. Score of 10 would be a minimum to accept. 5 Review Criteria: 1. Advances in nursing knowledge or practice; represents a novel topic or an innovative approach Does the abstract address a relevant and significant problem? Does the abstract present either a new or novel approach to a cutting-edge topic? Are the findings likely to impact the practice or delivery of care? Does the abstract contain results? 2. Research design and methodology are rigorous and appropriate for the study question? Is the study question and/or hypothesis clearly and succinctly stated? Is the study design appropriate for the study questions? Is the sample appropriate for the study questions and methodology? If the abstract is a literature review, does it utilize rigorous methodology? 3. Conclusions address the study question and are supported by appropriate analyses and the results obtained Is the analysis sound, appropriate and sufficiently described? Are the results clearly presented, and if applicable, are measures of significance or association or effect sizes stated? Are the conclusions substantiated by the results? 4. Overall presentation Is the abstract well-organized and clearly written? Does the abstract reflect a thoughtful submission? 6 3

4 Title Catchy, compelling but descriptive Example NURSES ATTITUDE TOWARD THE ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORD STILL UNCERTAIN AFTER 6 MONTHS 7 Purpose Limit to 1 or 2 sentences; these can be directly from a study Flow directly from the problem statement t t that t you identified in the background Critical element because it tells the reviewer exactly what to expect in the rest of the abstract reviewer makes judgment about the importance of the topic based on this part 8 4

5 Example of Purpose Compare nurses perception/attitudes pre/post implementation of a comprehensive electronic health record (EHR) at a rural, academic medical center. 9 Background/Rationale/Significance Use a problem statement approach Despite the fact that strokes/mis occur annually, Little is known about Information is lacking about

6 Example of Background The American Hospital Association s 2008 survey of 3049 acute care hospitals found that <2% of hospitals had a comprehensive EHR, 9% have a basic EHR system, & 17% have computerized physician order entry. Since few hospitals have an EHR, many nurses will be involved in future EHR implementations. Knowledge of nurses feelings about EHRs can guide implementation teams in optimization of communication, addressing misconceptions and offer valued insight. Given the organizational investment and commitment to successfully implement an EHR, understanding baseline nurse attitudes and expectations ti is pivotal. Willingness of nurses to adopt EHRs is a major determinant of implementation success, as nurses are the largest workforce. Little is known about the nurses perception of EHR 11 implementation process or the impact of an EHR on the nurse s ability to provide quality patient care. Methods Tells the study s structure in an organized way: Design Procedure Sample Measures Statistical analysis

7 Example of Methods Stronge and Brodt s (1985) Nurses Attitudes Towards Computerization Questionnaire was modified to reflect the EHR and four previously author identified EHR implementation themes. The pre-survey was sent12/08 to RNs/LPNs before EHR implementation and training. Nurses were resurveyed 12/09, 6 months post EHR implementation. Data analysis includes (STATA 82)t 8.2) two tailed dtt t-test t for comparisons; chi-square tests and multivariate regression to detect changes and/or measurable differences between variables Subjects Not subject but sample or participants Helps reader to know about generalizability

8 Example of Subjects 499 of 1913 nurses completed the baseline survey (26% response rate) and 546 nurses completed the post 6-month survey. Pre/post subject demographics were similar with the majority female, BSN prepared RNs, employed fulltime, 39% age Findings Data are essential Data are presented that directly address the purpose Detail needed to assess the specific aim Never say will be discussed Succinct summary of exact details Avoid burying reader in minutiae Using figures and tables

9 Example of Findings page 1 Maximum possible score for the Stronge & Brodt s survey is100 with higher scores indicating more positive attitudes. Pre-survey mean was 74.24; post 6-month survey was Clinically significant shifts in nurse attitudes include: (% of nurses that agreed or strongly agreed). EHRs will allow the nurse more time for professional tasks pre 42%/ post 16%, Computerization of nursing data offers nurses a remarkable opportunity to improve patient care pre 71%/post 48%, EHRs can cause nurses to give less time to quality nursing care pre 9%/post 50%, EHRs make nurses jobs easier pre 60%/post 37%, EHRs allow the nursing staff to be more efficient pre 58%/ post 32%, and Increased EHR use will allow nurses more time to give patient care pre 46%/post 22% Example of Findings page 2 6-month open-ended questions expressed frustration with adapting to the change, disappointment in the implementation process yet hope that things will get better. Even 6 months out, we are still having difficultly with staff getting out on time and charting in "realtime". I do believe this will get better as more enhancements are made

10 Conclusion Does not simply repeat the results Interprets the results Does not say will be discussed 19 Example of Conclusion 6 months post implementation of an EHR nurses attitudes did not become more positive towards the EHR. Prior to EHR implementation nurses were uncertain yet optimistic about the benefits. Nurses perceive the EHR as cumbersome, time consuming, leaving less time for patient care

11 Recommendations for future studies Presents implications for future research or practice 21 Example of Recommendations Further study is required to determine at what point nurses fully accept and EHR

12 What Reviewers Look For: Informative title Significant problem Clearly written abstract Precise, concise, don t waste words Data Striking conclusion that builds on data 23 Things to remember about Reviewers They are most likely NOT an expert in your specific area of research Don t use jargon unique to your area Don t assume that everyone understands why your study is important Avoid writing in a highly technical, obscure manner Simple, straightforward, small words, no wasted words Provide information in every word

13 Lets work on yours.. Ideas?