ABSTRACT SUBMISSION CLOSED

The Review Process

The review process is completed by a committee composed of representatives from the 2011 WOCN National Conference Planning Committee and content/research experts. Abstracts are blind reviewed (meaning that the person who reads and rates an abstract does not know the names of the author(s)). The numerical rankings for the different criteria of an abstract are then averaged and used to decide to accept or reject the abstract. All research abstracts will be considered for podium presentation. New this year, three concurrent sessions will be devoted to selected podium presentations. Additionally, top "research study" abstracts that report on topics that contribute significantly to the evidence base of Wound, Ostomy, and Continence nursing practice will be presented during one general conference session, as podium presentations.

Abstract Topics

Topics for all abstract submissions may include, but are not restricted to:

Wound

• Evidence-Based Interventions
• Management of Complex Wounds
• Psychosocial and Quality of Life Aspects
• Dermatological Management/Issues
• Nutritional Issues in Wound Healing
• Product Selection and Innovations

Ostomy

• Evidence-Based Interventions
• Stomal/Peristomal Complications
• Continent Diversion Issues
• Psychosocial and Quality of Life Aspects
• Product Selection and Innovations
• Clinical Outcomes

Continence

• Evidence-Based Treatment and Management
• Assessment Techniques
• Complications of Incontinence: Dermatological Issues; Urinary Tract Infection; Renal Deterioration
• Management of Intractable Incontinence
• Issues in Bladder and Bowel Continence Management
• Psychosocial and Quality of Life Issues
• Continence Clinics

Professional Practice

• Clinical Practice Outcomes; Standards of Care; Clinical Pathways
• Role Justification Issues: Data Collection; Cost/Benefit Studies; CQI Programs Specific to the WOC Nurse Scope of Practice
• Computer Software Applications: Database Programs; Statistical Packages; Educational Resources
• Restructuring in Health Care Settings, Strategies for Survival
• Marketing Strategies to Staff, Administrators, Peers
• Implementing a Pressure Ulcer Prevention Program
• Satisfaction Measurement

All "research study" abstracts submitted are intended for oral or poster presentation at the 2011 WOCN Annual Conference. The top five "research study" abstracts that have been designated by the author for an "Oral Presentation" will be considered for podium presentation during the Research Paper General Session at the Conference. NEW THIS YEAR, a selection of top research abstracts will be presented in several Concurrent Sessions that have been identified throughout the program. Only the primary author will make the presentation unless another author is approved by the 2011 WOCN Abstract Chair. Time for oral presentations will vary and will be communicated to authors well in advance of the date of the presentation. Those "Research Study" abstracts not chosen for an oral presentation will also be considered for poster presentations.

The author may submit abstracts of completed work. Previously presented research is acceptable for submission in revised format and must be disclosed. Duplicate abstracts published in previous WOCN Scientific and Clinical Abstracts will not be accepted. Abstract submission implies that the primary author has the consent of all authors and has obtained necessary institutional clearances. All authors must complete the online disclosure information. Please keep in mind that if the abstract is accepted it is published in a supplement to the Journal of Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing.

Abstract Submission Deadline and Process

Abstract submissions are accepted starting Monday, August 23, 2010 through Tuesday, November 2, 2010 (midnight EST/New York Time). Additional abstracts will not be accepted after this date.

All abstracts should be submitted by clicking the links to the left.

All submissions must be completed electronically. No hard copies will be accepted. The system is very user-friendly and information about technical assistance is available. Please read the following instructions carefully before clicking on the links to begin an abstract submission.

Policy on Commercial Support

Presentations must avoid commercialism and should conform to the Standards on Commercial Support: Use of the GENERIC name of products is allowed in the body of the abstract and in the poster/oral presentations. If mentioned in titles, the GENERIC name of products is to be used. Brand names and company names may be identified only once in an acknowledgement section. Presentations that constitute promotion and advertising will not be accepted including pervasive or inappropriate use of logos. No company product information may be displayed or disseminated in conjunction with the oral or poster presentation. If the cost of a presentation has been underwritten to any extent, a disclosure stating the support and identifying the source will be required at the time of the abstract submission and will be required with the oral or poster presentation (e.g., "The support of [Corporation or Institution] for this project is gratefully acknowledged."). Statements should not be viewed as or considered representative of any formal stance or position taken on any subject, issue, or product by the WOCN.

Submission Instructions

Please provide all information requested on the on-line submission form. Noncompliance with the instructions will result in immediate rejection. Please keep in mind the following:

• A title for the presentation that informs the reader of the subject matter.
• Limit the abstract to 300-words, single spaced. Title, authors and institutions are not included in the 300 word count, and are collected on separate steps during the online submission process. Please be sure that your abstract describes the work performed.
• A minimum of three (3) patients is necessary (unless the case is complex or a unique situation and/or a unique technology is used) for all "Case Study" abstract submissions.
• Images or photos will not be accepted at the time of the abstract submission.
• The abstract will be blind reviewed so please make sure that neither author(s) name(s) nor facility affiliations appear in the abstract body.
• References may be submitted. The number of references is restricted to no more than five (5). There is a separate area to provide references.
• Disclosure of all sources of support is mandatory. There is a separate area to disclose support. BRAND NAMES CAN NOT BE INCLUDED IN YOUR ABSTRACT. NO EXCEPTIONS. Please note only the generic term in the body of the abstract.

The Review Process

The review process is completed by individuals from the 2011 WOCN National Conference Planning Committee and content/research experts. Abstracts are blind reviewed (meaning that the person who reads and rates an abstract does not know the names of the author(s)) and then accepted or rejected based on an average of several scores.

All abstracts are reviewed for compliance with the above instructions. The Abstract reviewers will use the following criteria to score each abstract

• Research Abstracts

1. Topic: is the topic significant to wounds, ostomy, continence, and/or professional practice?
2. Purpose: is the purpose/objective clearly stated?
3. Methodology: are the methods described and appropriate?
4. Statistics: have appropriate statistical methods been used?
5. Results: are the results presented in sufficient detail to address the research questions or aim?
6. Conclusion: are conclusions supported by data presented in the abstract?
7. Clarity: is the abstract well written? Are ideas clearly communicated?

• Practice Innovation Abstracts

1. Topic: is the topic significant to wounds, ostomy, continence, and/or professional practice?
2. Purpose: is the purpose/objective clearly stated? Is a description included that identifies the need for the practice innovation?
3. Objective: is the objective clearly stated? Is a summary of the purpose and objectives for the practice innovation included?
4. Outcomes: are the outcomes included that relate to the problem and objective(s)? Are the key measures or indicators used to evaluate the outcomes described?
5. Clarity: is the abstract well written? Are ideas clearly communicated?

• Case Study Abstracts

1. Statement of Clinical Problem: is the clinical problem/challenge clearly articulated and relevant to WOC nursing practice? Are relevant clinical data included (age, gender, primary related diagnosis, and relevant co morbidities)?
2. Description of Past Management: is the duration of the clinical problem stated? Are past management approaches and patient response described?
3. Current Clinical Approach: are the management plan and any changes made to it described along with rationale?
4. Patient Outcomes: is the patient response described, including time frame for response, objective and subjective data?
5. Conclusions: are clinical implications identified along with limitations? Has the author limited conclusions to this case only, without generalization to general population?

Case Study and Practice Innovation abstracts receiving the highest scores will be accepted for poster presentations only. Notification will be sent by December 27, 2011. The top five research study abstracts will be presented in a general session; a selection of abstracts will be presented in concurrent sessions; and in addition, these abstracts will have the option of being presented as a poster. Primary authors of the abstract selected for oral presentation will be notified by January 7, 2011. The remaining accepted Research Study abstracts will have the option of poster presentation.

Accepted abstracts will be published in a supplement to the Journal of Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing (JWOCN), which will include each abstract, author and author affiliation. The email address of all author(s) will also be included. Authors are strongly encouraged to submit their abstract in the form of a manuscript to the JWOCN for later publication. Information regarding the process for manuscript submission to JWOCN can be found on the WOCN website under the WOCN Library Section (in the top right-hand corner).

Oral Presentations:

The top 5 accepted research abstracts will be invited to present their work during a general session at the 2011 WOCN Annual Conference. New this year, a selection of top research abstracts will be presented in several Concurrent Sessions that have been identified throughout the program. Only the primary author will make the presentation unless another author is approved by the 2011 WOCN Abstract Chair. Time for oral presentations will vary and will be communicated to authors well in advance of the date of the presentation.

Poster Presentations:

Authors of accepted poster abstracts must be present at their poster during the poster session scheduled for Tuesday, June 7, 2011 from 7:00 am to 9:00 am. Handouts are encouraged. No audiovisual equipment will be available. Please note the maximum size of the poster cannot be larger than the board provided at the conference center which is 4’ x 8’. Supplies for mounting posters will be available. Notification will be sent as to the location of the poster session and the times for set up in advance of the Annual Conference. Guidelines will also be available on this site.