| CALL FOR NTI 2007 RESEARCH & CREATIVE SOLUTIONS ABSTRACTS
Be an essential part of the 34th National Teaching Institute & Critical Care Exposition by submitting an abstract. If your abstract is accepted, you will present your study/findings by poster or short oral presentation to thousands of colleagues May 19 -May 24, 2007 in Atlanta, Georgia.
As a participant this is your opportunity to:
- Gain exposure to an audience of your peers
- Display your work
- Be published in AACN journals
- Participate in AACN’s mission to advance, promote and distribute information through research, education and science
- Participate in an Internet-based exclusive viewing of your presentation
Description of Research & Creative Solution Abstracts
RESEARCH abstracts may focus on any aspect of acute or critical care included but not limited to patient care, nursing practice, nursing management, or nursing education. The research can be original or replicated studies. Abstracts should describe the methods used to carry out research, identify variable & sample size, identify protocols & instruments used for evaluation, and describe data analysis.
A CREATIVE SOLUTION abstract in critical care nursing can be submitted on a wide variety of strategies & practice innovations used by nurses to solve a difficult, unique or interesting problem(s) related to patient care, nursing practice, nursing management or nursing education. The creative solution must have been implemented with evaluated outcomes.
Types of Abstract Presentations
Selected abstracts can be presented in two different formats. At the time of submission you will have the opportunity to elect the type of presentation for which you would like to be considered. (Poster, Oral or both presentation types.) If you would like to be considered for both presentation types (oral/poster) you will be advised in your selection notification letter on the type of presentation you will exhibit at NTI.
Poster Presentations are graphically illustrated, self-explanatory presentations of recent findings. Authors illustrate their findings by displaying graphs, photographs, diagrams, & limited text on a 4 feet tall x 8 feet wide poster board.
Posters will be displayed for 4 days. Posters will be gathered, numbered and listed according to topic. We encourage authors to be present in the poster area to answer questions from interested participants on Tuesday May 22nd and Wednesday May 23rd, 2007 from 10:15 AM to 12:00 Noon.
Oral Abstract Sessions are fifteen minute presentations which provide a brief overview of a project by using power-point or slides to visually enhance the presentation. There are five minutes for questions & answers from participants at the end of each presentation.
Oral sessions are held throughout the week in conference rooms, & each conference room holds up to 100 participants.
Application Requirements
1. The Applicant Must Be A Nurse Holding A Current AACN Membership.
2. Abstracts Must Be Submitted By One Of The Listed Authors Using Their Own Personal AACN Member Number.
3. Abstracts must be relevant to the acute, critical care nursing, and/or patients.
4. Only completed research projects are eligible.
5. We do not accept abstracts that have been previously published.
6. Submission of an abstract constitutes the author’s commitment to present the abstract if accepted.
7. Abstracts can be submitted ONLY via the AACN web site.
Submission Dates & Deadline
Program planning for the conference begins approximately nine months before the event and thus requires potential presenters to submit their abstracts by a predetermined deadline. Submissions that fail to meet these deadlines will not be considered.
Abstract submissions must be entered & received no later than September 5, 2006 by 11:59 PM (Pacific Standard Time.)
We apologize for your inconvenience if you have encountered problems with our site; our IT department is diligently working to resolve the problem. To ensure that your abstract is included & reviewed we have extended the deadline until midnight September 5th (Pacific Standard Time) to apply.
Correcting a Submission
During our Call for Research & Creative Solutions Abstracts you can make revisions to your application & abstract until September 5, 2006 by 11:59 PM (Pacific Standard Time.)
1. Log into the Research & Creative Solutions On-line Application
2. You will see the abstract(s) already submitted poplulated with your original responses.
3. Click on the title of the abstract that you wish to edit.
4. Make any changes within the content and resubmit abstract in full by selecting “Finish.” You will be see a confirmation page with amendments.
*ResearchSubmissions - If you need to replace your Word document you can click the “Browse” button to locate the revised file on your PC’s hard drive, then click “Next” to send it to the abstract system. This is optional, if you do not want to change the file, just press “Next” to bypass this step.
Withdrawing Your Abstract Submission
To withdraw an abstract(s) please advise the Research Department at research@aacn.org no later than September 5, 2006.
Please ensure that you provide us with the following important information:
1. Your name
2. The abstract title(s)
3. The abstract number(s) provided after completing your on-line application
Writing a Successful Abstract for Research or Creative Solutions Presentation
This document provides tips for first time applicants.
Click here to download the document.
On-Line Research & Creative Solutions Application
Click here to enter the Research & Creative Solutions Online Application
Research Abstract Format Guidelines
The abstract is a short description of your work and should contain all the elements necessary to define your goals and results to the reader. However it is not meant to be a complete and lengthy report of your work.
Submitted abstracts will not be edited for content. Abstracts will be formatted to fit publication requirements only. Please double check your abstract for typographic and grammatical errors.
Preparing your abstract for submission includes the following key elements identified below, please review to ensure compliance:
1. Make the title brief and clearly indicate the nature of the study/procedure.
2. TITLE LIMIT is 120 characters, this includes spaces.
3. Up to twelve authors can be listed on the abstract.
4. NARRATIVE LIMIT is 2000 characters, this includes spaces & headings ("Purpose," "Background/Significance," etc.)
5. Space for sponsor information will be provided on the online abstract submission form, you do not need to include this with your word count.
6. DO NOT use the following within the abstract text:
- Page borders
- Charts
- Tables
- Underlines
- Bullet points
- Indentations
- Graphs
Research abstracts are to include a short summarization in the following order:
1. PURPOSE - What was the intent or goal of the study? What did you want to learn?
2. BACKGROUND/SIGNIFICANCE - What was the problem and why was it important? What knowledge are you building on?
3. METHODS - What was your design? What was your sample? What instruments did you use? How were data collected and analyzed?
4. RESULTS - What did you find?
5. CONCLUSIONS - What do your findings mean?
*In order to ensure that scientific notations &/or symbols are captured for publication, we require that all Research applicants attach a word document of their complete abstract onto the application page.
Sample of a Research Abstract
Prevalence Of Electrocardiographic Abnormalities In Patients With Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Hravnak, M.; Crago, E.; Kong, Y.; Horowitz, M.; University of Pittsburgh; PA
Purpose: This study was conducted to examine the prevalence of electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormalities in patients after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH-A), and their relationship to sympathetic stimulation and myocardial insult. Background/Significance: Although ECG abnormalities and their possible causes have been described to some degree for patients with embolic stroke, they have not been well explored in patients with hemorrhagic stroke, specifically SAH-A. Methods: This prospective longitudinal study recruited 74 SAH-A patients ages 38-75 (M=55.8; SD=9.6) with a Fisher grade >/= 2 and/or a Hunt/Hess grade >/= 3 admitted to the Neurovascular ICU. ECG abnormalities were determined from initial 12-lead ECG and continuous 24-hour Holter monitoring for 5 days after SAH-A. Concentrations of total serum catecholamines were measured every 12 hours. Serum markers for myocardial ischemia and infarct (TCPK, CPK/MB, CPK/MBI and cardiac troponinI [cTnI]) were measured daily. Descriptive, chi-square, and repeated measures analyses were performed using SASv8.2. Results: ECG abnormalities were present by initial 12-lead ECG in 82% of patients, and in 93% by Holter monitor. A significant relationship existed between 12-lead ECG and total serum catecholamines (p=.048), and a nonsignificant trend was noted between 12-lead ECG and cTnI (0.06), but not between 12-lead ECG and CPKMB (p=0.1). There was no relationship between ECG abnormalities by Holter monitor and total serum catecholamines, cTnI, or CPKMB. Conclusions: ECG abnormalities are common after SAH-A. There is some evidence to support relationships between abnormalities on the initial 12-lead ECG, sympathetic stimulation and some markers of cardiac injury, but these relationships are not present with regard to 24-hour Holter monitoring data. Vigilance in monitoring for ECG abnormalities in this complex patient population is important for optimal care, and the reasons for causation require further study.
mhra@pitt.edu
Sponsored by: Funded by the National Institutes of Health (NHLBI RO1HL074316)
Research Abstract Award
Four research abstracts will be selected to receive the Research Abstract Award. This award recognizes individuals whose abstract reflect outstanding original research, replication research or research utilization. Each of the award recipients will present their findings at one of the research oral presentation sessions at NTI. Award recipients will receive a honorium of $1,000 for NTI expenses (NTI Registration, Hotel & Travel.)
Creative Solutions Abstract Format Guidelines
The abstract is a short description of your work and should contain all the elements necessary to define your goals and results to the reader. However it is not meant to be a complete and lengthy report of your work.
Submitted abstracts will not be edited for content. Abstracts will be formatted to fit publication requirements only. Please double check your abstract for typographic and grammatical errors.
Preparing your abstract for submission includes the following key elements identified below, please review to ensure compliance:
1. Make the title brief and clearly indicate the nature of the study/procedure.
2. TITLE LIMIT is 120 characters, this includes spaces.
3. Up to twelve authors can be listed on the abstract.
4. NARRATIVE LIMIT is 2000 characters, this includes spaces & headings ("Purpose," "Background/Significance," etc.)
5. Space for sponsor information will be provided on the online abstract submission form, you do not need to include this with your word count.
6. DO NOT use the following within the abstract text:
- Page borders
- Charts
- Tables
- Underlines
- Bullet points
- Indentations
- Graphs
Creative Solutions abstracts are to include a short summarization in the following order:
1. PURPOSE – What was the intent/goal of project? What problem is addressed by the creative solution?
2. DESCRIPTION – What was the creative solution? How was it developed & implemented?
3. EVALUATION AND OUTCOMES – What were the outcomes of the project? How was success measured?
Sample of a Creative Solutions Abstract
“Aspiration Prevention Audit Tool” In The Medical Step Down And Respiratory Care Unit
Pak, M.; Lukowski, K.; Hoffman, G.; Inchiocca, R.; Filetto, A.; Santora, C.; Stony Brook University Hospital; NY
Purpose: A large patient population is at risk for aspiration in the MSU/RCU, with pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents the most serious complication of tube feeding. Aspiration is one cause of ventilator-associated pneumonia, which increases patient stay by an average of 16 days and costs the hospital about $30,000 per case. A nursing initiative for quality care was undertaken to create a Standard of Care (SOC) to provide safe care and improve patient outcomes. Description: After reviewing evidence-based practice and the CDC guidelines, a Standard of Care was developed. The SOC detailed eight risk factors and five warning symptoms for aspiration, and provided eleven precautions to take against aspiration. To enforce the SOC, an Aspiration Prevention Audit Tool (APAT) was designed to generate data on the presence of risk factors and warning symptoms for aspiration in unit patients, and unit compliance with the recommended precautions. After inservicing the audit tool to the nursing staff, data on SOC compliance was taken daily throughout the patient hospital stay by observation, documentation audit, and inquiry. The CNS analyzed data and disseminated to the unit leadership and staff to reinforce compliance and education with the APAT to meet the Standard of Care. Evaluation/Outcomes: The Aspiration Prevention Audit Tool found that all patients in the MSU/RCU were at risk for aspiration, because most patients had ventilators, tracheostomies, or enteral feeds, or some combination of the three. Over the course of four months, compliance with the precautions against the tool steadily reached near 100%. After this nursing quality initiative, no incidences of aspiration-induced pneumonia were reported in the MSU/RCU. The Audit Tool was instrumental to increase compliance by identifying those patients at high risk and providing aspiration precautions to reduce costs, improve patient outcomes and quality of care.
mpak@notes.cc.sunysb.edu
Selection Process
Submissions will be evaluated & selected using the following criteria:
- CREATIVE SOLUTIONS abstracts are scored on creativity, clinical relevance & clarity.
- RESEARCH abstracts are scored on scientific merit, clinical relevance & clarity.
Notification Letters
Notification of selections will be mailed to the SUBMITTING AUTHOR through the U.S. Postal Service on November 10, 2006.
Complete mailing address information, telephone number, and e-mail address must be given in the abstract submission. Please be sure that the address you provide is complete in order for either standard mail or e-mail to reach the presenter. (Note: be sure to include mail-stops, or box numbers in the address.)
If the presenting author should relocate before NTI 2007, he/she needs to provide the Research Department at research@aacn.org with the address change.
Abstract Publication
Accepted Research & Creative Solutions abstracts will be published in the following:
Research Abstracts will be published in the May 07 issue of the American Journal of Critical Care (AJCC)
Creative Solutions Abstracts will be published in the May 07 issue of Critical Care Nurse (CCN) Journal
- Abstracts not accepted for presentation will not be published.
- Abstracts will be published exactly as submitted through the online submission program.
Research & Creative Solutions On-Line Poster Presentation
Accepted abstract participants have the opportunity to join AACN in providing members with an Internet-based exclusive viewing of their poster presentation.
In addition to providing electronic access to presentation(s) via the NTI 2007 website, all Internet poster presentations will be incorporated into a self-study activity offered in the NTI 2007 Self Study Pavilion.
After NTI, all internet poster presentations will be accredited as an AACN continuing education activity and will be available from the AACN website via the on-line CE Center. This enables posters to be viewed for a two-year period.
NTI Presentations
Authors scheduled for POSTER presentations will be assigned a poster board and will be expected to display illustrative materials, (e.g., graphs, charts, etc.) We encourage you to be at your poster to answer questions from interested participants on Tuesday and Wednesday from 10:15 AM to 12:00 Noon.
Authors scheduled for ORAL sessions will each have fifteen minutes for presentation scheduled in groups of four thoughout the week.
Submission of an abstract implies commitment to present your abstract at NTI 2007. Substitutes are permitted with a brief explanation emailed to the Research Department at research@aacn.org. Please include the following information in your letter:
1. Abstract title
2. Abstract number
3. Substitute author name, AACN member number, and contact information.
NTI Registration
All oral & poster presenters must register for the conference.
Individuals whose abstracts are accepted will receive a $75 reduction on NTI registration.
Reduced registration amount applies to the SUBMITTING AUTHOR.
Presenters who have multiple abstracts accepted will be eligible for only one $75 reduction in NTI registration. This cannot be combined with chapter discounts.
If you are presenting an Education Session and a Research &/or Creative Solutions Abstract, the $75 registration discount for Research & Creative Solutions presentation will not apply. Because the registration for Educational Speakers is compensated, you may transfer your Research & Creative Solutions $75 discount to only one of the other listed authors from your abstract.
NTI Expenses
Expenses associated with the preparation, submission, and presentation of an abstract are the responsibility of the author/presenter. If accepted, the presenter is required to pay all fees associated with the meeting including, but not limited to, travel, housing accommodations, meeting registration, etc.
Copyright Transfer
Individuals whose abstracts are accepted will also be required to sign a copyright transfer.
This certifies that the material is original; does not copy or otherwise infringe on the copyright or other proprietary rights of another party; that the author has participated sufficiently in developing the work in order to take public responsibility for the content (in the case of multiple poster author/presenters, all should certify this aspect); that the abstract has not been previously published; and permission for AACN to publish the abstract in AACN conference materials and/or journal and/or on Web site, or permission to publish any way we see fit.
AACN Continuing Nursing Education
CE credit is given for both the Research & Creative Solutions presentations at NTI.
The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.
AACN has been approved as a provider of continuing education in nursing by the State Boards of Nursing of Alabama (#ABNP0062), California (#01036), and Louisiana (#ABN12). AACN programming meets the standards for most other states requiring mandatory continuing education credit for relicensure.
AACN Contacts
AACN Staff are availible for assistance on questions or concerns in regards to the Research & Creative Solutions Abstracts, you may contact them at the following National Office number: 800-391-5995 -or- you can email them at research@aacn.org
Teresa A. Wavra RN, MSN, CNS, CCNS
Clinical Practice Specialist, Extension 355
Dolores Curry
Research Associate, Extension 377
Frequently Asked Questions
If none of the authors are AACN members can we submit a Research &/or Creative Solutions Abstract?
Every abstract submitted must be authored by at least one AACN member. If none of the authors is an AACN member, then an AACN Membership Application needs to be submitted to AACN. Membership is verified through the online application process. If your membership has lapsed, please ensure that you have renewed your membership.
Should the presenting author be the submitter of the Research &/or Creative Solutions Abstract?
Whenever possible, yes. Contact information is only collected for the submitter and the presenting author. AACN prefers to correspond with the individual who will actually be presenting the abstract, if accepted. This policy ensures that the presenter knows when and where to present the abstract.
When I submit my Research or Creative Solutions Abstract through AACN's web site, how can I save a copy of my submission?
We recommend that you prepare and save your abstract file in your computer before going to our web page. Once at the web page, fill out the category, authors, affiliations, presenting author information, etc. Attach your abstract as a word file when directed. When you complete the abstract submission process, you will be able to print a copy for your files.
What font and character size should I use?
Use a universal Times or Arial size 11. Avoid use of fonts specific to the word program you use. This is particularly true for symbols, as some character sets in use do not translate well, resulting in lost or confusing information.
Is there a text limit on the length of my Research &/or Creative Solutions Abstract?
Yes. The text part of each abstract should be no longer than 2000 characters including spaces & headings ("Purpose," "Background/Significance," etc.).
How do I know that my abstract submission was received?
As you complete individual steps in the process, the system will display the results. At the end of the process, a final summary page will be immediately displayed showing all information successfully received. The Abstract Submission system will provide you with an abstract number as soon as you have both completed & reviewed your application information
You may review and edit your abstract until September 5, 2006. After that, no further changes will be allowed.
The summary page states that my abstract is complete. Does this mean my abstract has been accepted?
No. Abstracts are sent to review committees in September. Selection letters will be mailed to the applicant November 10, 2006.
Why is my email address listed at the bottom of the abstract?
Your e-mail address is provided so that interested colleagues may contact you after the conference with any questions regarding your abstract.
Is my title or author listing part of the narrative word count?
No, the title and author listing are not part of the narrative word count.
Why can’t I use table/graphs/charts/borders/bullets in my abstract?
The on-line database does not accommodate table, graphs, charts, borders, and or bullets.
Why do I have to use my own AACN member number when submitting my abstract?
AACN’s on-line database holds a record of the submitting author only. As a result, correspondence and the $75 reduction for NTI registration is related to the applicant only.
What is the difference between presenting a poster at NTI and the on-line poster presentations?
On-line poster presentations are internet-based exclusive viewing of poster shown via power-point.
NTI presentations are graphically illustrated, self-explanatory presentations. Authors illustrate their findings by displaying graphs, photographs, diagrams, & limited text on a 4 feet tall x 8 feet wide poster board.
When I try to login I receive an error message that says ‘Incorrect Username or Password” what do I do?
You may have changed your password from your last name, if you have forgotten you can go into the main login screen (click onto the blue tab located at the upper left that says “Login”) and select the “Forgot Number/Password” button. Your User name and Password will be emailed to you.
When I login I can see my personal profile information but I can’t move forward into the application.
Is your AACN membership current? Active membership is a requirement to apply.
I Joined/renewed AACN membership on-line, why can’t I move forward into the application?
Our system can take up to 24 hrs to update the information, please retry once the appropriate time has passed.
I submitted an abstract on-line do I also need to email an electronic attachment?
The attachment only refers to Research submissions. This is required because of the use of scientific notations within the abstract.
Would you be able to discuss my abstract submission with me? It wasn't accepted and I would like to learn from the denial for future submissions.
We do not provide feedback on individual submissions. The Research & Creative Solutions Abstract Review Panel is always impressed by the quality of abstracts submitted which made the selection very difficult. |