How to write a comprehensive and informative research abstract

Amanda Drury*, Eva Pape, Maura Dowling, Susana Miguel, Paz Fernández-Ortega, Constantina Papadopoulou, Grigorios Kotronoulas

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

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Abstract

Objectives: This article provides practical guidance on developing a comprehensible abstract, including those required for funding applications, conferences, and publication. In addition, we discuss and demonstrate the practicalities of editing and revising an abstract for conference or peer review and identify emerging formats that may be more relevant to nurses and researchers.

Data Sources: This article has been informed by literature and the coauthors’ respective experiences of preparing and reviewing abstracts for publication and conference presentation. 

Conclusion: Abstracts are a valuable tool to communicate the most important elements of the methods and results of a research project for a conference, manuscript, or even a research funding application. However, abstracts may often be an overlooked part of the dissemination process. An abstract determines whether or not a piece of research is relevant for presentation at a conference or valuable enough to be considered for peer review and subsequent publication. A strong and clearly written abstract positively predisposes reviewers of grant applications.

Implications for Nursing Practice: Writing an abstract is arguably the most challenging component of academic writing, summarizing the results of a substantive research project in three to five sentences and positioning them concisely within the background and implications for future practice, policy, and research. A well-written abstract is clear, concise, and critical and requires time and revision to ensure success.

Original languageEnglish
Article number151395
Number of pages5
JournalSeminars in Oncology Nursing
Volume39
Issue number2
Early online date24 Feb 2023
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 30 Apr 2023

Keywords

  • abstract
  • abstracting
  • indexing
  • journal article
  • meeting abstract
  • writing skills

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