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trying to sort out the information in the abstract. Consider whether you need an introduction section. Introduction sections are not always necessary but can be helpful to frame your research for the reviewer and reader. On the other hand, a common mistake is to have a long introduction with very little methods and results. Reviewers focus on the validity and reliability of the study and this cannot be determined if the methods section is sparse. The next four paragraphs outline tips for each section of the abstract, and Table 7-1 summarizes the key points. The objective should be no more than one or two sentences and the research question must be clearly defined. For example “Our objective was to screen women in the emergency department to see what they come in with” is rather broad. A more focused objective might be “Our objective was to identify specific characteristics on the history and physical exam for women in violent relationships who present to the emergency department. We hypothesized that victims would be twice as likely to present with mental health symptoms and facial injuries than other female patients.” With regard to methods, it is important to include as much information as possible so the reviewers know the study was conducted in the most stringent manner. A retrospective chart review study should include information on training of reviewers, use of standardized PRESENTING THE RESULTS OF RESEARCH Debra Houry, MD, MPH. FACEP EMERGENCY CARE RESEARCH – A PRIMER CHAPTER 7 38 CHAPTER 7 — PRESENTING THE RESULTS OF RESEARCH abstraction form, and interrater reliability (1). A survey study should use validated scales and representative sampling. A clinical trial should follow CONSORT criteria and include information on randomization, blinding, and sample size (2). Similar to the methods section, the results section must include standard information pertinent to the study. First, start off with baseline characteristics of the study population. For a survey this includes the response rate and any demographic data that were collected. Chart review studies must list how many charts met criteria to be pulled, how many were found, and how many had missing or incomplete data. Prospective studies should parallel enrollment: how many patients were approached, how many were eligible, and how many consented. When possible include information on differences between those who refused or were excluded compared to the final study sample. Another common mistake authors make is to include every significant finding from their study. The results section mirrors the objectives listed in the abstract and additional findings can be ancillary and distracting. The conclusion section should in one or two sentences summarize whether the hypothesis was supported. This section should not be used to talk about future studies or to assert one’s opinion. Again, it is important to remember that you do not know who might be reviewing your abstract so it is best to be as neutral as possible and not to overstate your findings. HOW TO CREATE AN INTERESTING RESEARCH POSTER Poster presentations are an excellent opportunity to present your work, meet other researchers with similar interests, and to get feedback on your work. The format of poster presentations depends on the scientific meeting ranging from standing in front of your poster during designated time slots, giving a brief 3- to 5-minute overview of your work as part of a tour of posters, or giving a brief presentation alongside two or three similar posters with time for discussion at the end. Despite the format of the presentation, the poster layout itself does not vary. See Figure 7-1 for a poster template. TABLE 7-1. Key Points for Abstract Objectives Should be very defined Include hypothesis Methods Type of study design Inclusion/exclusion criteria Measures of validity (research assistant training, sampling method, blinding) Measures of reliability (interrater reliability, validated scales, power calculation) Statistical testing Results General information on population studied Results specific to your objective/hypothesis Include p-values and confidence intervals when appropriate Conclusion Brief statement regarding findings related to the objective CHAPTER 7 — PRESENTING THE RESULTS OF RESEARCH 39 The information on the poster mirrors what was in the abstract, but in more detail. However, this should not be as detailed as a full manuscript as people will not have the time to read that much detail. Bullet points are particularly helpful for results and methods so the general information on how the study was conducted and what was found can be easily identified and read by others. Text on posters should be in at least 36 font so that people can read the posters from several feet away. Because many people will spend just a few minutes at your poster, it is helpful to have a brief script prepared to provide the highlights of your study. If you are presenting as part of a moderated session, this script should be no longer than 5 minutes. The focus of these presentations should be on the “why” (the study objective and hypothesis), a brief “how” (what you did), and your relevant findings. Further discussion on next steps and limitations may also be warranted. HOW TO PREPARE AN ENGAGING ORAL PRESENTATION Scientific presentations should be focused on the research and follow 

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