Writing An Abstract (for a Sands conference)

If you google ‘writing an abstract for a conference’ you get results geared more towards writing a scientific paper or research-based paper. Sands conferences are a little different because there is a real mix of research, theoretical, therapeutic and experience-based presentations. Here are some tips for putting together the abstract for your presentation.

• Usually, you would ensure that you are addressing a topic that the conference organisers have noted in their Call for Abstracts. The Sands National Conference for 2022 has a long list of topics on the website and also notes that you are welcome to consider a topic not listed. They also note that your abstract can be research-focused, practice-based, have an academic focus or can be based on personal experience.
•  A helpful suggestion is to think about what you want your audience to leave with, after they have heard your presentation (These are called learning objectives). Do you want them to leave with strategies for practice? With some new ideas on pregnancy, baby, infant and child loss? With some new theories or evidence from research? With some inspiration? The conference organisers have stated that your learning objectives will play a major part in the selection process, so you need to include them in your abstract. Learning objectives have been described as being like the destination for a trip you’ll take – explaining where you will end up. They are also usually verbs/action-words. So, you’ll say something like – ‘after the presentation, participants will be able to EXPLAIN the elements of the XYZ theory’ or ‘attendees will be able to DISTINGUISH between intuitive and instrumental grief approaches’ or, 'participants will IDENTIFY the benefits of art therapy’.
•  It helps to start the abstract with a description of the topic – what is it you are going to address? Just a few lines describing or explaining the topic is helpful for the reader to get an idea of what it is you are going to be talking about.
• Then go on to say what you will do in relation to the topic. If the topic is lack of support for bereaved parents, and you have started by describing the lack of support and inconsistencies across the country, then you will be saying what it is in particular that you are going to be addressing. Maybe it is a personal story, maybe it is a project that you were involved with.
• You can then end with the learning objectives. You are saying that as a result of attending your session, the audience will... perhaps leave with strategies to implement the project in their area, or be able to identify when support is needed.
  
• It can help to answer these questions (from a PLIDA Call for Abstracts, an example is included below):  What is the problem in practice or improvement to be addressed by this learning activity? (You might want to think about the topic to be addressed rather than a practice problem). What do you want learners to do differently following this presentation/session? What is/are the learning outcome(s) of this activity?
  
• You need to keep to the word count and ensure the abstract is written clearly as well.
• I have included some examples of abstracts I have submitted over the last few years for both Sands and other baby loss conferences. It always helps to read an example :-)
  

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me on [email protected]

abstract_culling___edwards_sands_national_conference_sept_2019.pdf
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vicki_culling_abstract_example.pdf
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vicki_culling_call_for_abstract_example_2_.pdf
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