Abstract Submission Deadline:
CLOSED
ABSTRACT DOWNLOADS
Before submitting your abstract, please ensure you read the abstract guidelines and use the appropriate template below:
Abstract Guidelines
Research Abstract Template – Oral / Poster / Workshop
Practice Based /Service Delivery Abstract Template – Oral / Poster / Workshop
Food for Thought Abstract Template
Presenter Symposium Abstract Template
Panel Symposium Abstract Template
Workshop Outline /Structure Template
Presentation Types
| FORMAT | TYPE | LENGTH | DESCRIPTION | TEMPLATE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ORAL PRESENTATIONS | Research Abstract | 12 minutes | Abstracts on original research findings, case studies, completed projects and policy or theoretical analyses. Presentations should be well structured, rigorous and demonstrate a novel contribution to knowledge. | Research Template |
| ORAL PRESENTATIONS | Practice Based /Service Delivery Abstract | 12 minutes | Abstracts analysing issues and solutions to problems in clinical practice, policy, community engagement, education, and health promotion. Presentations should be well structured, rigorous and demonstrate a novel contribution to knowledge. This option allows you to report on projects that are not research-driven but are critical reflections on policy and practice, including clinical practice, community engagement, education, health promotion, and service delivery. In all cases we are looking for analyses and projects that are completed and have concrete results to report. The practice-based abstract template asks delegates to describe the analysis and arguments used, and then specify outcomes, results and implications for policy and practice. We encourage our community, nursing, policy, health promotion and other colleagues to try the template and submit abstracts. | Practice Based / Service Delivery Template |
| ORAL PRESENTATIONS | Rapid Fire | 5 minutes | Abstracts on original research, clinical practice, community engagement, education, health promotion and policy. Abstracts on original research, clinical practice, community engagement, education, health promotion and policy. Rapid Fire presentations allow for a succinct overview of findings. | As appropriate to the topic and approach Practice Based / Service Delivery Template or Research Template |
| ORAL PRESENTATIONS | Food for Thought | 5 minutes | Food for Thought abstracts should be used for case studies, clinical perspectives, new services, and consumer viewpoints. These presentations do not require the same rigorous research basis as research and practice. | Food for Thought Template |
| VISUAL PRESENTATIONS | Poster | Permanently displayed during the conference and on the virtual platform. Presenters must stand with their posters during the dedicated Poster Sessions. | Posters are a key component of the APSAD Conference offering an interactive platform for delegates to view and discuss achievements, ideas, and developments face-to-face. Posters are ideal for data that works better visually, projects and research being proposed or currently in progress, systematic reviews, meta-analysis, case studies, divisional projects, or clinical topics. All posters will be available to virtual delegates. | As appropriate to the topic and approach Practice Based / Service Delivery Template or Research Template |
| GROUP & INTERACTIVE PRESENTATIONS | Presenter Symposium | Time will be allocated on the number of presentations included. 4 presentations - 60 mins 5 presentations - 75 mins Suggested timings: – 10 min/presentation – 5 mins Discussant – 15 mins discussion | Symposia provide an opportunity to present on a common topic or theme from multiple standpoints or disciplines, to provide a coherent flow for discussion and bringing new insights. Each submission must include a Chair, Discussant (if different from the Chair), state the aim, and describe the interactive element of the symposium. Please note: All symposia submissions will be automatically considered for individual oral / poster presentations if they are not selected as a symposium. | Presenter Symposium Abstract Template Submitted on ONE template which will contain individual abstracts from all the included presenters |
| GROUP & INTERACTIVE PRESENTATIONS | Panel Symposium | 60 – 75 mins | Panel Symposia provide an opportunity to engage a group in an interactive discussion. Panel Symposia should include a clear description of the topic to be discussed and outline how the discussion will be managed between the panelists and between the panelists and the audience. | Panel Symposium Abstract Template |
| GROUP & INTERACTIVE PRESENTATIONS | Workshop | 30 - 60 minutes | Workshops are interactive information /training sessions and should facilitate discussion, and engage with the participants. Lecture-style presentation should be kept to a minimum, workshops are a facilitation exercise. Consider the participants’ objectives and the desired learning outcomes, i.e. What is being taught, or what is the specific skill development? Workshop presenters must provide an outline of the structure/plan for the session, including learning objectives and how they will minimise presenter talk and maximise participant hand on experience and discussion /interaction. Abstracts that do not fit the above requirements will not be considered. | As appropriate to the topic and approach Practice Based / Service Delivery Template or Research Template Include the Workshop Outline /Structure Template |
Guidelines for Submitting an Abstract
Before you write and submit your abstract, think about what kind of presentation and session you would like to be considered for, there are different formats which are detailed below. Make sure you read the abstract guidelines carefully as those that do not fit the guidelines will not be considered.
Here are some quick tips to help write an abstract with a better chance of being accepted. These tips apply to all abstract types:
- The conference preferences work which clearly contributes important, innovative, or new findings that are likely to influence practice and policy. With this in mind, avoid statements such as ‘data to follow’ or ‘results will be discussed’ as abstracts that do not outline clear findings are very unlikely to be considered.
- Ensure that the abstract is easy to read and understandable for the reviewers and conference delegates, remembering it is a wide audience. Ask a colleague or someone outside your field to read your abstract to see if they can understand it easily.
- Avoid acronyms and slang where possible and never use acronyms in the abstract title.
- If you are presenting research, include a section on how it can be translated to clinical practice, policy or prevention, or its relevance for practice more broadly.
- Remember APSAD is a multidisciplinary conference, try to make sure your presentation is relevant for a variety of audiences.
- A key criterion that the committee considers is clarity. For this reason, avoid vague language or bulky sentences.
- Use the four language guides provided below and make sure you have used person-centred language before you submit your abstract.
- If you have not written an abstract before, or are early in your career, make use of the Abstract Mentor Program for input and assistance.
- Do not exceed the world limit of 250 words (or 300 words if responding to the extra point; Implications for Practice or Policy).
- In balancing the program, the Scientific Advisory Committee may invite authors to present their work in an alternate format (e.g., as a poster rather than oral presentation)
- IMPORTANT: We encourage abstracts that are based on First Nations issues be presented by First Peoples, or a First Nations co-presenter be included. If this is not possible, please include information as to whether any member of the First Nations community in which the research is based was involved in development of the research protocol or in conducting the research. Where possible this applies to other population groups as well.
Terminology
We expect all presenters to be aware of and understand the potential of language to be stigmatising. The following resources provide best-practice guidelines for a person-centred approach.
Any abstracts that include inappropriate or stigmatising language and/or content will not be considered.
Note: Abstract presenters will be required to fund their own attendance at the conference and should not submit an abstract if this is not possible.
Abstract Templates
Before you start, you need to decide what type of presentation you would like to give. The table below provides guidance on each type of abstract.
| SERVICE DELIVERY / PRACTICE BASED | RESEARCH | PRESENTER SYMPOSIUM | PANEL SYMPOSIUM | FOOD FOR THOUGHT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| For: | Service & program delivery, i.e., alcohol and drug services, clinical health services, community health, peer-based services, policy, and prevention | Quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods research, policy, or theoretical analyses | 3-5 presentations on a topic or theme, followed by a short discussion | 3-4 panellists in an interactive discussion on a topic from different standpoints | Case studies, clinical perspectives, and consumer viewpoints |
| 1 | Background: Provide a clear description of the rationale for the program, the aims you set out to achieve in the program, service, or initiative. | Introduction and Aims: Provide a clear description and rationale for study. What are your objectives /research questions? | Aim: What is the overall aim of the symposium? Provide a clear description of the objectives of the symposium and the desired outcomes for participants. For each individual presentation in the symposium, you must include an abstract that follows either the Research or Practice Based / Service Delivery templates as appropriate to the topic and approach. Introduction /Issues: Provide a description of the issue or problem being addressed, the rationale for the study, and the objectives /research questions. Background: Provide a clear description of the rationale for the program, the aims you set out to achieve in the program, service, or initiative. | Aim:What is the overall aim of the symposium? Provide a clear description of the desired outcome for participants. | Introduction: Provide a clear description of the case study, perspective or viewpoint being discussed. |
| 2 | Description of Model of Care / Intervention: What are the key points that came out of your program /service /initiative? What method of evaluation /approach did you use and why did you decide to use this method? | Method / Approach: Clearly describe the design and method(s) or approach you used, e.g. What was the study population or data source? What were the data collection methods used? What method of analysis did you use? | Method / Approach: Clearly describe the design and method(s) or approach you used, e.g. What was the study population or data source? What were the data collection methods used? What method of analysis did you use? Description of Model of Care / Intervention: What are the key points that came out of your program /service /initiative? What method of evaluation /approach did you use and why did you decide to use this method? | Detailed description of topics to be discussed:Provide a clear description of the topic/s the panellists will be discussing. | Body Text: A brief summary of the overall content, concepts, and relevance of the presentation. Address the points listed on the abstract that are relevant to your presentation in detail. |
| 3 | Effectiveness: What is the main outcome /impact of the program /project? Are there any new outcomes, or are existing outcomes reinforced? Acceptability: How was the program received by the participants? Implementation: Has the program /service /initiative continued? Are there any follow up programs or projects? What is the main outcome of the program /project? | Key Findings /Results: Clearly summarise the results. Your abstract must include data (e.g., statistics or qualitative data). For quantitative findings, include the outcomes and results of relevant statistical tests such as p values, odds or hazard ratios and confidence intervals. | Key Findings /Results: Clearly summarise the results. Your abstract must include data (e.g., statistics or qualitative data). For quantitative findings, include the outcomes and results of relevant statistical tests such as p values, odds or hazard ratios and confidence intervals. Effectiveness: What is the main outcome /impact of the program /project? Are there any new outcomes, or are existing outcomes reinforced? Acceptability: How was the program received by the participants? Implementation: Has the program /service /initiative continued? Are there any follow up programs or projects? What is the main outcome of the program /project? | Discussion Section: Clearly outline the discussion /interactive component of the symposium. Include the details on the aims for those attending the symposia, what the desired outcome is and procedures for managing discussion between speakers and audience. | Discussions and Conclusions: Clearly summarise the outcome of the case study, or how the end perspective /viewpoint was achieved. |
| 4 | Conclusion and Next Steps: Has the program /service /initiative continued? Are there any follow up programs or projects? What is the main outcome of the program /project? How did it contribute to evidence-based practice /knowledge /better outcomes for the participants? | Discussion and Conclusions: Provide your interpretation of the data. What are the main outcomes and implications of the study? Highlight novel findings or failings, it is equally important to hear about what has not worked and why. | Discussions and Conclusions: Provide your interpretation of the data or key findings. What are the main outcomes and implications of the study? Highlight novel findings or failings, it is equally important to hear about what has not worked and why. Conclusion and Next Steps: Has the program /service /initiative continued? Are there any follow up programs or projects? What is the main outcome of the program /project? How did it contribute to evidence-based practice /knowledge /better outcomes for the participants? | ||
| 5 | Implications for Practice or Policy: What is the implication for, and contribution to, evidence-based practice or policy? | Implications for Practice or Policy: What is the implication for, and contribution to, evidence-based practice or policy? | Implications for Practice or Policy: What is the implication for, and contribution to, evidence-based practice or policy? |
Disclosure of Interest/Ethical Statement
APSAD recognises the considerable contribution that industry partners make to professional and research activities. We also recognise the need for transparency of disclosure of potential conflicts of interest by acknowledging these relationships in publications and presentations.
For an example of a disclosure of interest/ethical statement please see below
Dr Smith has received funding from Metabolism Corp. No pharmaceutical grants were received in the development of this study.
If accepted into the program you will be requested to include a disclosure of interest slide into your presentation or include such statements in your poster.
Themes for Submission
Authors must select one primary and one secondary theme of the following that their abstract relates to.
| Addiction reconceptualised | Injecting drug use |
|---|---|
| Adolescents / youth | Innovative prescribing: medicinal cannabis, e-cigs, etc. |
| Aetiology (incl. genetics) | LGBTIQ+ |
| Aged care / aging population / 65+ | Methamphetamine & psychostimulants |
| Alcohol | Neuroscience |
| Blood-borne viruses (incl. STI) | New technologies & e-interventions |
| Cannabis | Older adults |
| Children & families | Other AOD issues |
| Coercive treatment | Overdose |
| Cognitive impairment training | Peer workforce / stigma in the field |
| Comorbidity | People with lived experience – people who use drugs /services, etc |
| Covid-19 | Perinatal /1st 1000 days /maternal issues /family |
| Crime, justice, & legal issues | Pharmaceuticals (consumption) |
| Cross culture & international | Prescription opioid treatment |
| Disability / NDIS | Prevention & early intervention |
| Drug monitoring / novel psychoactive | Primary care - pharmacy in primary care |
| Drug policy reform | Prisons & prisoner health |
| Ecstasy & emerging psychoactive substances | Psychopharmacology & psychobiology |
| eHealth – behavioural change | Regional challenges & innovations |
| Epidemiology | Social & community issues |
| FASD | Special populations |
| First Peoples | Tobacco & tobacco /nicotine cessation |
| Gambling | Translating research into practice - different perspectives from researchers, lived experience, clinicians etc |
| Harms & harm reduction | Treatment & interventions |
| Health policy & reforms | Treatment settings |
| Health services & systems | Well at work |
| Health, law & human rights | Women |
| Heroin & opioids | Workforce issues |
Notification of Acceptance
Notifications of acceptance will be sent via e-mail to the submitting author by 7 August 2023.
Publication in the “Drug and Alcohol Review”
Accepted abstracts will be published in a supplement of the Drug and Alcohol Review distributed at the conference.
The Drug and Alcohol Review is APSAD’s official journal and is Asia-Pacific’s leading multidisciplinary journal addressing issues related to alcohol and drug-related problems. Publication was increased to 7 issues annually as of 2018, the Drug and Alcohol Review presents original research, policy development and information in the drug and alcohol research field. The journal is an international forum for the views, expertise, and experience of all those involved in the study of treatment of alcohol, tobacco and drug problems. The journal represents an important source of information to clinicians, drug and alcohol agency staff, researchers, policy makers, and alcohol service administrators.
Please consider this when writing your abstract, structure it accordingly (including any relevant data) and proofread abstracts carefully to avoid errors before submission.
Abstract Mentor Program
The goal of the APSAD Conference Abstract Mentor Program is to provide an opportunity for First Peoples (Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Māori), Community Groups, Consumers and Early Career Researchers to have their draft abstracts mentored by more experienced authors before submitting their abstract to the conference.
Abstracts submitted by authors that have volunteered to be a mentor in the program will not automatically be accepted. The same applies for abstracts submitted by authors that were mentored by the program.
For more information and a list of mentors, head to the abstract mentor program page.