The Education Forum Steering Committee review hundreds of abstracts each year for the RCN Education Conference. We love to see the wide range of work you are doing, and we are pleased that every year we see the number of abstracts growing, meaning we can have a bigger, better conference every year.

However, writing an abstract can be a daunting task, but with a clear structure and focus, you can create a compelling summary that captures the essence of your education research or project. We welcome abstracts across all areas of education related to healthcare and nursing, such as universities or practice education in NHS and independent sectors.

The process of reviewing abstracts is undertaken by committee members and suitably experienced volunteers. Each abstract is reviewed independently by two people, at least one of who is currently on the committee. The abstracts are then reviewed and moderated by the committee, with those meeting the quality standard being approved to be presented at the conference in the Spring.

Here are some tips to help you craft an effective abstract

Understand the purpose

The abstract serves as a concise summary of your work, providing a snapshot of your research/project objectives, methods, results, and conclusions. It should be informative and engaging, encouraging attendees to learn more about your presentation. Try to think about who the audience will be, and what would appeal to them.

Follow the guidelines

Ensure you adhere to the specific guidelines provided by the RCN Education Conference (LINK) This includes word count, format, and any required sections. Remember the Learning Outcomes are aligned to the delegates who are attending the conference – not the learning outcomes of the research or project you have delivered.

Structure your abstract

A well-structured abstract includes the following components:

• Title: A clear and concise title that reflects the content of your presentation. This title will be used in all the conference publications.
• Introduction: Briefly introduce the topic and its significance.
• Objectives: Clearly outline the purpose of your research/project
• Description: of the methodology or approach used in your research/project.
• Results: Summarize the key findings or outcomes.
• Conclusion: Highlight the implications of your results and their relevance to the field of nursing education.

Use clear and concise language to convey your message. Avoid jargon and long, complex sentences. Each sentence should add value and contribute to the overall understanding of your work. Remember the abstract will form part of the brochure and attract delegates to attend your presentation. Be sure to emphasize the importance of your work, and its potential impact on nursing education. Explain how your findings can contribute to the field of education and why they are relevant to the conference audience.

Review and revise

Carefully review your abstract for clarity, coherence, and conciseness. Ask colleagues or mentors to provide feedback and make revisions as needed. Ensure there are no grammatical or typographical errors.