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I Have the Abstract: How Do I Make It into a Poster?. Michelle E. Stofa Research Communications Manager Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children Wilmington, Delaware. Overview. General guidelines Parts of poster IMRAD (Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion)
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I Have the Abstract: How Do I Make It into a Poster? Michelle E. Stofa Research Communications Manager Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children Wilmington, Delaware
Overview • General guidelines • Parts of poster • IMRAD (Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion) • Text (font, sizes, and spacing) • Tables and figures • Placement of materials on poster • Color • Photos • Transport and travel • Electronic posters • Examples of ‘error-enhanced’ and corrected posters
General Guidelines • Meeting requirements • Poster number • Contact information • Layout • Supplies • Placement of logos • Templates • Resolution • Sources • Location on Poster • Top left is prime spot
General Guidelines (continued) • Sizes • Standard size 48” x 96” (can’t exceed space) • PowerPoint limitations (36” x 56”) • Orientation • Landscape vs. portrait (overseas) • Other sizes (meeting-specific) • Printing • Paper types • Printing services and costs • Most frequently asked question: how many slides make a poster?
Parts of a Poster: Title Bar • Title • Brief • Avoid “Discussion of…,” “Results of…” • Make interesting • Authors: include credentials • Institutions: include city and state • Size: don’t be stingy • 72 pt title, 60-50 pt for authors, institutions
Parts of a Poster: Abstract • Placed top left (first to be read) • Should match submission • Error corrections allowed • Structured or unstructured (omit headings unless required) • Abstract should be able to stand alone • Spell out abbreviations at first use • Can be smaller font
Parts of a Poster (IMRAD): Introduction and Methods • Introduction: what is known on subject, leads into what is missing (how your project fills this gap) • Abbreviations: spell out first use again • Consider audience • Methods (what you did or what you plan to do) • IRB Statement should be first sentence (if required)
Parts of a Poster: Results and Discussion • Results • Findings • Figures and tables (more information to follow) • Reporting of data • Don’t repeat information in figures and in text • Discussion/Conclusion • Why your study or project is important
Parts of a Poster: References • References • Simple formatting • Less cluttered is best • Example: Smith A. Study of adolescent scoliosis. J Pediatr 2002;30:110-115. • Consider clarity when citing in text • Smaller font • If listing references, cite all in text
Text • Seen from at least 6 feet away • 30 pt Helvetica/Arial (sans serif font) for text (24-26 pt minimum) • Avoid Times Roman(or any serif font) • Limit justification • Limit indentations • Bullets better than paragraphs (consistent style) • Title spacing and font size of headings • Overall best layout: equal parts text and figures • ‘Open space’ is our friend…
Figures and Tables • How many? • Avoid smaller than 5x7 when printed • Cite all in text • Color • Consistent: 2-4 colors, same color family • Can use colors found in logo, photos • Keep it simple • Format • Boxes: best to omit unless needed for groups • Consistent sizing of charts, etc. (check percentage when sizing and pasting)
Figure and Tables (continued) • Legends and titles • All figures have legends (usually at bottom) • All tables have titles (top) • Limit table rules (especially vertical) • Figures and tables: the meaning should be clear without main text • Inserting into poster • Copy figure first without text elements, add titles last to make all consistent • Copy, ‘Paste Special’
Photos • HIPAA and permissions • Permission statement for patient photos • Masking • Photos (and figures) from the Internet • Stock photos from Nemours sources • Sizing for poster • Consider figures/photos will be enlarged • Suggested: 300 dpi • If no figures…add one, or some
Transport, Other Details • Mailing tubes • FedEx/mailing • Sending ahead to hotel: arrival date and confirmation are important (confirm) • Security when traveling • Return after meeting • Handouts • Can print on regular printer, use ‘scale to fit’
Electronic Posters • More meetings are requesting e-posters • Same tips/suggestions apply • Usually dark background/white text • No longer size requirement: ratio requirement • HD television screens – 16:9 • Uploaded ahead of meeting • Templates available
Summary • Layout, text, figures: keep it simple • Use color, plenty of open space • 50% text, 50% figures: white space • Easy-to-read, attractive presentation Contact Information: Michelle E. Stofa Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children ph: 302-651-6806, fax: 302-651-6888 Michelle.stofa@nemours.org