ABSTRACT SUBMISSION GUIDELINES OT AUSTRALIA WA Conference 2012 UNITE, CHANGE, EXCEL SHARING BEST PRACTICE The Scientific Program Committee invites contributions to the OT AUSTRALIA WA Conference 2012. The Conference theme, Unite, Change, Excel Sharing Best Practice, emphasises the importance of drawing together our knowledge and experience, keeping abreast of new innovations and developments and striving for excellence. We invite you to submit an abstract for oral, poster or workshop presentations. Key Dates Abstract submission closes Friday 1 June 2012 Notification of acceptance by Friday 6 July 2012 Indication of intent to participate by Friday 27 July 2012 An Abstract Writing Workshop will be announced on the OT AUSTRALIA WA website. All abstracts must be submitted to the OT AUSTRALIA WA office via email at info@otauswa.com.au, using the Abstract Template. It is recommended that you read all Abstract Submission guidelines prior to submitting. Best Paper, Student Paper and Poster Awards Awards are granted to those receiving the highest aggregated reviewer s scores in that category. See the OT AUSTRALIA WA website for prize information prior to the conference.
SUBMITTING AN ABSTRACT All abstracts should be submitted using the Abstract Template available on the OT AUSTRALIA WA website. You will be required to provide author contact information, select a methodological category and indicate areas of OT interest that best fits your submission. All abstracts should be related to the conference theme. Method Each abstract submission should indicate the most appropriate methodological category according to the below information. Quantitative Research: The Quantitative research category generally involves numbers or data of one form or another. Recognised scientific methodology is generally used that is specific to the research question. Examples include; clinical trials, systematic reviews of evidence, validity or reliability testing, biomechanical studies, surveys, epidemiological studies, predictive studies etc. The data generated are usually analysed statistically. A sample 'Well Written Abstract' is available on the OT AUSTRALIA WA website. Qualitative Research: The Qualitative research category relates more to theories and interpretation of human behaviour or experience. There are recognised methodologies that are used (e.g. phenomenology, ethnography, grounded theory). Examples might include; in-depth interviews, participant observation, focus groups etc. Either new theories or explanations are developed to assist interpretation of human behaviour or experience. A sample 'Well Written Abstract' is available on the OT AUSTRALIA WA website. Clinical Practice Note: The Clinical Practice Note category includes papers that address timely issues in clinical settings, practice guidelines or emerging treatment areas, or that express clinical opinion that is supported by theory and evidence from the literature. Examples might include clinical case reports, which may include descriptions of practice innovations, advocacy efforts, or new technologies or products, introductions to new interventions, descriptions of empirically and/or theoretically derived programs, or scholarly opinion or forums on topics requiring discussion in the clinical setting. A sample 'Well Written Abstract' is available on the OT AUSTRALIA WA website. Other: The Other category includes topics where no formal research methodology was used. For example: a report of an event or professional trip (e.g. to an overseas country), policy development, a position statement etc. A sample 'Well Written Abstract' is available on the OT AUSTRALIA WA website. Categories Abstract submissions require the selection of one to three of the following categories, which best fit your submission. These categories will be used to determine session streams for the conference. Ageing/Gerontology Assistive Technology/Adaptive Equipment/Environmental Modifications Cancer/Palliative Care
Children & Families Chronic Pain Contemporary practice issues Driving/Community Mobility Ergonomics/Workplace Health Health Care Reform/ Policy Development Health Promotion Interdisciplinary practice Medico-legal Mental Health Musculoskeletal/Hand Therapy Neurology Occupational Science Occupational Therapy Education Occupational Therapy Research Rehabilitation Rural and Remote Health Spinal Cord Injury Stress and Stress Disorders Working with communities/community development Conference Theme In keeping with the conference theme Unite, Change, Excel: Sharing Best Practice, abstract submissions should clearly relate to one or more of the following: Unite Collective knowledge and experience shaping best practice. Change New innovations and ways of thinking ensures practice remains at the cutting edge. Excel Striving for excellence in the development of our profession and our practice. Presentation Formats Oral Presentations: Oral paper presentations will provide an opportunity to report on original research, innovative programs and professional practices, theoretical and conceptual advances, and professional issues relating to Occupational Therapy. Oral presentations will each be of 15 minutes duration, followed by an additional 5 minutes for questions and discussion. Poster Presentations: Posters provide a static visual display of new techniques, programs, research or professional innovations. They are the ideal medium for the presentation of complex visual material and emerging practice presentations. Accepted posters will be asked to provide a PDF copy of their poster for inclusion in the conference program handbook and on CD Rom given out to delegates at the Conference. Please note, providing a copy of your poster is optional. Presenters will be invited to discuss their poster with conference attendees at a predetermined time during the conference. Posters are selected by the Conference Scientific Program Committee (CSPC) and will be grouped according to topic themes. A
predetermined time will be put aside during the conference for poster authors to be available to discuss their poster with conference attendees. Workshop Presentations: Workshops will offer an opportunity to develop participants skills using a variety of presentation methods that are interactive and informal in delivery. All workshops will be selected by the CSPC and will reflect the identified needs of the profession from the preconference survey of members and submissions and requests from Interest Groups (IG) (not necessarily OT AUSTRALIA WA Interest Groups). PLEASE NOTE: The Scientific Program Committee will allocate session times based on review scores for each abstract and programming scheduling. Authors may indicate their preferred presentation style by selecting oral, poster, or workshop on the abstract submission template however the CSPC will indicate the preferred presentation style following review of abstracts.
ABSTRACT SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS Abstracts must be submitted by Friday 1 June 2012, although early submission is encouraged. The Abstract Submission Instructions will guide you through the submission process. Abstract Submission Information 1. General Conditions a. All abstracts submitted must be original work. b. Submitting author to nominate their abstract categories: Method and Stream i. Method (nominate 1): quantitative, qualitative, clinical practice note, or other ii. Stream (nominate 1-3): Ageing/Gerontology; Assistive Technology/Adaptive Equipment/Environmental Modifications; Cancer/Palliative Care; Children & Families; Chronic Pain; Contemporary practice issues; Driving/Community Mobility; Ergonomics/Workplace Health; Health Care Reform/Policy Development; Interdisciplinary Practice; Health Promotion; Medicolegal; Mental Health; Musculoskeletal/Hand Therapy; Neurology; Occupational Science; Occupational Therapy Education; Occupational Therapy Research; Rehabilitation; Rural and Remote Health; Spinal Cord Injury; Stress and Stress Disorders; Working with communities/community development c. The author is responsible for the accuracy of the abstract. d. All presenters of accepted submissions are expected to register and pay for attendance at the Conference. However, a presenters rate will be available. e. The acceptance of an abstract for the OT AUSTRALIA WA Conference 2012 does not imply provision of travel, accommodation or registration for the conference, nor any other costs associated with preparation or presentation of the abstract, or any costs associated with attendance at the conference. f. All abstracts will be blind reviewed by a Scientific Program Committee. The committee s decision is final. g. By submitting your abstract, you agree to have your abstract (if accepted) published on the OT AUSTRALIA WA website and in the conference program handbook. h. All abstracts must be submitted in English. 2. Preparing your abstract. a. Abstract must not exceed word limits specified on the submission template (250 words) b. List all the authors on the submission form where requested. c. Note that a maximum of 2 presenters is permitted for oral presentations; you may advise of 2 nd presenters details once your abstract has been accepted. d. Use of tables or figures is not permitted in the abstract. e. References should be used sparingly and if used, will be included in the abstract word count. 3. Submission of your abstract Please submit your abstracts using Abstract Submission Template available on the OT AUSTRALIA WA website. Completed templates are to be sent to info@otauswa.com.au. The document name should be in the following format surnameoffirstauthor.twowordsintitle.doc (eg jones.memoryeducation.doc)
It is recommended that you read all Abstract Submission Guidelines prior to submitting. Please note that abstracts sent in hard copy will NOT be accepted. 4. Notification of Abstract Status a. Automatic email confirmation of the submitted abstract will be sent upon receipt. b. Details of your abstract status, including presentation time and details where appropriate, will be forwarded by 6 July 2012. Do not contact the conference organiser prior to this date for notification details as no information will be available prior to this date. 5. Notification of Intent to Participate a. Successful applicants must indicate their intent to participate in the conference presentation by return email by Friday 27 July 2012. b. If participating, the presenter must register and pay to attend the conference by the close of the early bird date. Presenters who have not registered by this date may have their paper withdrawn from the program. A presenter's discount will be available.
ABSTRACT REVIEW CRITERIA The aim of the review process is to develop a scientific program that: Is of high quality and excites conference attendees Reflects innovation and diversity of occupational therapy research, practice and professional issues Reflects a balance between research, practice, professional issues and education Reflects a balance between the many areas of occupational therapy practice across Australia. Abstracts are rated according to the following criteria: Quality of the Presentation Content Educational Value Quality of Written Abstract Relevance to theme A detailed explanation of the abstract rating criteria will be available on the OT AUSTRALIA WA website. Abstract review process 1. Submitted abstract de-identified and matched anonymously to up to five reviewers on Scientific Program Committee based on self-declared knowledge of reviewers. 2. Abstracts reviewed using a standardised Abstract Review Rating Form developed by the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT). 3. Reviews submitted to Conference Scientific Program Committee- including recommended scoring and corrections to the abstract. 4. Abstracts assigned a rating of accepted for platform presentation, accepted for poster presentation and not accepted by committee based on overall ranking of the sum of ratings and Reviewer comments. 5. Presentation assigned a timeslot in the program by the Conference Scientific Program Committee.
ABSTRACT WRITING WORKSHOP OT AUSTRALIA WA will be offering both an abstract writing workshop during the abstract submission period. This workshop will also be available online to assist in the abstract writing process. A presenters workshop will also be conducted for authors of successful abstracts to assist in developing their presentations. The details of these will be advised on the OT AUSTRALIA WA website. It is important to note that the workshop and formal abstract submission and review processes are entirely separate, and requesting and gaining feedback from that process does not guarantee that an abstract will be accepted for presentation at the OT AUSTRALIA WA Conference. Further Information For further information, please contact the Chair of the Scientific Committee Carlo Divita Ph: 0421 968 431 Email: carlo.divita@gmail.com