Causes of Historically Low Abstract Submissions for the ASCLS Annual Meeting

Michelle Butina; Lester G. Pretlow; Barbara Sawyer; Frank J. Scarano; Joan Polancic

doi:10.29074/ascls.26.2.100

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Michelle Butina, Ph.D., MLS(ASCP)^CM⇑
1. Medical Laboratory Sciences University of Kentucky Lexington, KY
Lester G. Pretlow, Ph.D., C(ASCP)^CM, NRCC(CC)
1. Department of Medical Laboratory, Imaging and Radiologic Sciences, Georgia Regents University, August, GA
Barbara Sawyer, Ph.D., MLS(ASCP)^CM, MB(ASCP)^CM
1. TTU Health Sciences Center, Dept. of Laboratory Sciences and Primary Care, Lubbock, TX
Frank J. Scarano, Ph.D., MLT(ASCP)M^CM
1. Department of Medical Laboratory Science, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, Dartmouth, MA 02747
Joan Polancic, MSEd, MLS(ASCP)^CM
1. ASCLS, Director of Education & Project Planning, Tysons Corner, VA

Address for Correspondence: Michelle Butina, Ph.D., MLS(ASCP)^CM, Program Director and Assistant Professor, Medical Laboratory Sciences^, University of Kentucky^, Charles T. Wethington Bldg. Room 126E^, 900 South Limestone Street,^, Lexington, KY 40536-0200, 859-218-0852, Michelle.Butina{at}uky.edu

Abstract

The Abstract Review Committee (ARC) has an ongoing objective of encouraging abstract submissions for the American Society of Clinical Laboratory Science's (ASCLS) Annual Meeting. The purpose of this research study was to survey ASCLS members to determine the cause of historically low abstract submissions and how submissions could be increased. An electronic survey was developed and sent to ASCLS members via electronic mail blast. The survey focused on five areas: 1) participant demographics, 2) positives and negatives of the current submission and review process, 3) suggestions for improvement, 4) barriers to participation, and 5) level of attendance at poster and oral presentation sessions at annual meetings. Results of the survey indicated that the foremost reason cited for not submitting an abstract was lack of active research. The ARC believes limited research activity is due to the lack of educational preparedness of educators and practitioners to conduct research.

ABBREVIATIONS: ASCLS - American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science, ARC - Abstract Review Committee, MLS - Medical Laboratory Science