Abstract Content & Format  

Research abstracts will be evaluated on the basis of the following information:

• Introduction: State the scope or nature of the problem you are addressing in your research and the rationale supporting the need for the study. Clearly state the purpose of your study, gap in knowledge it meets, and the research question(s) (specific aims), or hypotheses. (Do not include references).
  
• Design: State the basic design of the study (e.g., prospective, descriptive, qualitative, quasi-experimental, experimental, etc.).
  
• Setting: Describe the study setting (e.g., type of unit, region and health care facility).
  
• Sample : Describe the sample size and characteristics, rationale for sample size, including the procedures for selecting the sample with inclusion/exclusion criteria (e.g., adult, white, male, surgical patients randomly selected during the two week study period). Identify the measures used to protect human subjects, if appropriate to the study.
  
• Methodology : Describe the study procedures and the study interventions. Instruments (including questionnaires) should be described with reliability and validity data. Variables and measurements should be defined. For qualitative studies, trustworthiness and credibility should be addressed; explain study design and data collection methods separately.
  
• Results : Present the results (or if a work in progress-the outcome measures and planned statistical analyses) including the statistical data that addressed your research questions, and identify the statistical analyses used. (Do not include tables or graphs in the abstract).
  
• Conclusions : State conclusions based on the data presented, and the implications for nursing research, education, practice, and/or policy. Relate the findings to the purpose of the research investigation.

Evidence-based practice abstracts will be evaluated based on the following:

• Introduction: Topic/Significance to nursing practice and health care

• Methods: Research evidence supporting practice change (literature review and findings)

• Outcomes: (variables of interest, and any data providing results)

• Discussion: (assessment of relevance to clinical setting)

• Conclusions: Nursing practice changes implemented or recommended

Abstract Format & Submission Instructions  

• Limit your abstract to 350 words or less (excludes subheadings).
• Use creative titles, but limit length to 10 words or less .
• Use a 12 point, Times New Roman font.
• Do not use bold or underline .
• Use single spacing and a 1-inch margin on all four sides of the abstract.

Submit by April 9, 2008 to:

• Lynne Nemeth, PhD, RN nemethl@musc.edu or use web-based submission form

Abstracts will be reviewed by Nursing Research Council on April 10, 2008

Presenters notified by April 14, 2008