Creating a Poster Presentation
Research poster presentations serve as a platforms to share findings from your research project. Communicating your findings effectively is crucial.
Here, we'll delve into the key components that make a research poster effective and explore different types of poster presentations. Additionally, we’ll share practical tips on designing visually appealing posters that capture attention and effectively convey your research findings.
I. Key Components of a Research Poster Presentation
Title: The journey into any research poster presentation begins with a strong and captivating title. Your title should succinctly convey the essence of your study while piquing the interest of passersby. Avoid jargon and aim for clarity to make your topic easily understandable to a diverse audience.
e.g. Title: "Reducing Wait Times in the Emergency Department: The Impact of Physician Assistants"
Authors: List all contributing authors and their affiliations beneath the title. This practice not only gives credit to those involved but also establishes your credibility as a researcher. Ensure the list is complete and accurate, as it reflects the collaborative effort that went into the study.
John Anderson, CCPA, Emergency Department, City Hospital
Dr. Sarah Roberts, MD, FRCSC, Department of Emergency Medicine, University Medical Center
Dr. Michael Johnson, PhD, Department of Health Services Research, School of Public Health
Introduction: The introduction sets the stage for your research, providing the context and rationale for your study. Briefly describe the problem or knowledge gap you aimed to address and clearly state your research objectives and hypothesis. This section should be concise but engaging, compelling viewers to delve deeper into your work. You can break this into subsections (Background, Objectives, Hypothesis).
e.g. Long wait times in the emergency department (ED) have been a persistent challenge in healthcare, affecting patient satisfaction and quality of care. To address this issue, we conducted a research study to investigate the impact of physician assistants (PAs) on reducing wait times in the ED. The study aimed to explore whether the integration of PAs into the ED team can improve efficiency, decrease patient wait times, and enhance overall patient experience.
Methods: In the methods section, outline the process you followed to conduct your research. Describe your study design, data collection methods (setings, participants), and any statistical analyses used. While presenting complex methodologies, strive for simplicity and clarity to ensure all viewers can grasp the essential aspects of your study design. Consider use of diagrams to demonstrate your Study Design.
e.g. Methods: A retrospective study design was employed, analyzing ED data over a 12-month period before and after the implementation of PAs in the department. Data collection included patient arrival times, triage durations, and time spent with PAs and physicians. Statistical analyses, including t-tests and regression models, were used to evaluate the association between the presence of PAs and changes in wait times.
Results:
The results section is the heart of your research poster presentation. It is where you showcase your findings and data in a visually appealing manner. Utilize graphs, charts, tables, and images to effectively communicate your results. Make sure your visuals are easy to interpret and support the key points of your study.
Accompany each visual element with concise captions that highlight the main takeaway. Remember to present your data logically and in a sequence that aligns with your research objectives.
e.g. Results: The presence of PAs in the ED was associated with a statistically significant reduction in overall wait times. Patients who were seen by PAs experienced shorter triage durations and received timely care during their ED visit. Graphs illustrating the average wait times before and after the integration of PAs showcased a clear decrease in wait times following their introduction.
Discussion and Conclusion:
Discussion:Interpret your results and provide context for their significance. Relate your findings back to your research objectives and explain their implications for the field of study. If your results align with or contradict previous research, discuss these relationships and their potential impact. Sub-sections of the conclusion can include: Discussion, Limitations, and Implications
e.g. Discussion: The findings from our study suggest that the incorporation of PAs in the ED positively influences wait times and patient flow. The ability of PAs to efficiently handle patient assessments and provide timely care can help alleviate overcrowding and improve patient outcomes.
Conclude your poster presentation with a clear and concise summary of your key findings and their broader implications. Leave viewers with a lasting impression of your research's contribution to the medical field.
e.g. Conclusion: The integration of physician assistants into the emergency department appears to be a promising solution for reducing wait times and enhancing the overall patient experience. Our research contributes valuable insights to healthcare management and reinforces the importance of collaborative care models in optimizing emergency department operations.
Acknowledgments: Here authors express gratitude and recognition to individuals or organizations who have contributed to the research project but are not considered as co-authors.
e.g. acknowledgments: The staff and personnel of the Emergency Department at City Hospital, for their cooperation and support in facilitating data collection and providing access to relevant resources.
The Department of Health Services Research at the School of Public Health, for their assistance in statistical analyses and methodological advice.
This research project was partially funded by a grant from the [Name of Funding Organization]. The authors gratefully acknowledge their financial support, which enabled the successful completion of this study.
References: Accurate and complete referencing is crucial to establish the credibility of your research. Include a list of all sources cited in your poster using an appropriate citation style (e.g., APA, MLA). This will enable interested viewers to explore further and validate your research.
e,g, References:
Morgan S, Housman M, Ghazarian SR, Blanchard J. The role of physician assistants in emergency medicine: A comprehensive review. J Emerg Med. 2021;61(3):e77-e85.
Rohrer JE, Angstman KB, Furst JW, Hargarten S, McGrath R. The impact of physician assistants on patient care in a multihospital ED. Am J Emerg Med. 2016;34(4):635-639.
Sherman J, Heitz C, Edwards D, et al. The effect of an emergency department fast track on length of stay for minor injuries. J Emerg Med. 2015;48(1):46-53.
II. Types of Research Poster Presentations
Depending on the nature of your research project and your specific goals, you may choose from various types of poster presentations. Each type serves a unique purpose and requires a different approach to effectively convey your findings.
Click here to view examples of PA Research Posters from past CAPA conferences.
Let's explore the different categories of Poster Presentations:
a) Original Research
An original research poster presentation showcases the results of a study that contributes new insights or knowledge to the field.
It typically follows the format of a scientific research paper, including sections such as:
Introduction
Methods
Results
Discussion
Conclusion.
Tips for an Original Research Poster:
Emphasize the novelty of your findings and how they address existing gaps in the literature.
Clearly present your research question and hypothesis to guide viewers through your study.
Utilize graphs and visuals to illustrate your data and make it easier to grasp.
b) Case Studies
Case study presentations in poster format are ideal for sharing unique and compelling patient cases or experiences. As a physician assistant, you encounter a diverse range of patient scenarios, and a well-constructed case study can provide valuable insights to the medical community.
Case study posters typically include sections like:
Introduction
Case Presentation
Discussion
Conclusion.
Tips for a Case Study Poster:
Provide relevant patient demographics and medical history to set the stage for your case.
Highlight the diagnostic and treatment approaches used in managing the patient's condition.
Include photographs, imaging, or other visuals to enhance understanding.
c) Literature Reviews
A literature review poster presentation focuses on summarizing and critically analyzing existing research on a specific topic. This type of presentation is particularly useful for consolidating knowledge and identifying areas for further investigation.
The sections often include:
Introduction
Methodology (explaining the search process)
Key Findings
Discussion
Conclusion
Tips for a Literature Review Poster:
Identify key themes and patterns in the literature to provide a comprehensive overview.
Highlight the implications of the collective evidence and any remaining gaps in knowledge.
d) Quality Improvement (QI) Projects
For practicing physician assistants involved in quality improvement initiatives, this type of poster presentation allows you to showcase the impact of your project on patient care or healthcare processes.
Quality improvement posters typically feature sections such as:
Background
Methods
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
Tips for a Quality Improvement Project Poster:
Clearly outline the quality improvement intervention implemented and its goals.
Present quantitative data to demonstrate the project's outcomes and improvements.
III. Designing an Engaging Research Poster
An aesthetically appealing and well-organized research poster is crucial for capturing the attention of your audience and effectively communicating your findings.
a) Select a Program to Design the Poster
Microsoft PowerPoint: PowerPoint is a widely-used and user-friendly software that allows you to create visually appealing posters. It offers various design tools, customizable templates, and the ability to work with text, images, and graphs. While PowerPoint is primarily known for creating slides, it can be adapted for poster design by setting custom slide sizes to match your poster dimensions. Export your file as a PDF.
Google Slides (Free): Google Slides is a free online presentation software offered by Google. While it is primarily designed for creating slide presentations, it can also be used to design posters by setting custom slide dimensions. Google Slides allows for collaboration, making it convenient for team projects.
Canva (Free): Canva is an online graphic design tool that offers a user-friendly interface and a wide range of templates and design elements. It is suitable for creating posters with pre-designed layouts, images, and fonts. Canva is a great option for those who may not have prior experience with graphic design software.
Adobe InDesign: InDesign is a professional graphic design software that provides advanced layout and design capabilities. It offers precise control over typography, images, and graphic elements, making it an excellent choice for creating high-quality and sophisticated posters. InDesign is commonly used for designing marketing materials, brochures, and posters.
Poster-making Software: There are specialized poster-making software tools available that are specifically designed for creating academic and research posters. Examples include Adobe Spark, PosterMyWall, and PosterGenius. These tools often offer templates tailored to academic poster requirements.
b) Designing your Poster
A well-designed research poster not only makes your work visually appealing but also enhances the effectiveness of your message. Aim to strike a balance between engaging visuals and concise, informative content to create a poster that conveys your research with clarity and professionalism.
Layout and Format:
The layout and format of your poster play a significant role in its overall visual appeal.
Consider using a horizontal orientation, which is more commonly used for research posters.
Aim for standard poster dimensions, such as 36 inches wide by 48 inches tall, to ensure it fits most display boards.
Divide your poster into clear sections, following the sequence of your research:
Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion, and Conclusion.
Use headings and subheadings to guide viewers through your poster seamlessly. Remember that a well-structured layout enhances readability and understanding.
Visual Elements:
Visual elements are essential components of an engaging research poster. They can help convey complex information quickly and attractively.
Incorporate relevant images, graphs, charts, and tables to illustrate your data and findings. However, be mindful not to overwhelm the poster with excessive visuals.
When presenting graphs and charts, ensure they are easy to interpret. Use clear labels, legends, and color schemes to enhance understanding. Additionally, consider using visuals that are high-resolution to maintain clarity when printed in larger sizes.
Font and Typography:
Selecting appropriate fonts and maintaining consistent typography are crucial for readability. Use clear, sans-serif fonts for headings and body text to enhance legibility. Avoid using too many font styles and sizes, as it can create visual clutter
For headings, opt for larger and bold fonts to make them stand out. Keep body text in standard font size (e.g., 24 points) to ensure it is easily readable from a distance. Use font color strategically to maintain contrast against the background and improve visibility.
Color Scheme:
A thoughtfully chosen color scheme can significantly enhance the overall aesthetics of your poster. Stick to a harmonious color palette that complements your research topic and evokes a sense of professionalism. Avoid using too many colors, as it can distract viewers and make the poster appear chaotic.
Use color strategically to highlight key elements, such as headings or important data points. Ensure there is sufficient contrast between the text and the background to improve legibility.
White Space:
White space, also known as negative space, refers to the areas of the poster without content. Embrace white space as it allows the viewer's eyes to rest and helps focus attention on the essential elements of your poster.
Avoid cluttering your poster with too much text or visuals, and use white space to create a clean and balanced layout.
Proofreading and Review:
Before finalizing your poster, thoroughly proofread the content to eliminate any spelling or grammatical errors.
Additionally, seek feedback from colleagues, mentors, or peers to ensure your poster is clear and impactful. Constructive criticism can help you make necessary improvements and fine-tune your presentation.
IV. Preparing for the Poster Presentations
Once you are done designing your research poster, next is to focus on honing your delivery of your poster presentation.
a) Practicing your Poster Presentation
Practice makes perfect, and this adage holds true for poster presentations as well. Set aside time to rehearse your oral presentation multiple times. Practice speaking clearly and concisely while covering all the essential points of your research. Aim to achieve a smooth and confident delivery.
As you rehearse, keep an eye on the time it takes to present your research. Make adjustments if your presentation exceeds the allotted time. An ideal poster presentation should be succinct, informative, and within the designated time frame.
b) Timing and Pace
During your actual poster presentation, manage your time effectively. Greet your audience warmly and briefly introduce yourself and your research topic. Then, smoothly transition into the main content of your presentation, covering each section of your poster in a logical sequence.
Keep an eye on your audience's reactions and body language to gauge their interest and comprehension. Maintain a steady pace, ensuring you neither rush through the information nor speak too slowly.
c) Engage your Audience
An engaging presenter captures the audience's attention and encourages interaction. Start by explaining the significance of your research question and the potential impact of your findings. Encourage questions from your audience, and be prepared to provide insightful answers.
Utilize visuals on your poster to support your verbal explanation. Point to specific graphs or images when discussing relevant data or key findings. Engaging your audience through eye contact and enthusiastic delivery can help build rapport and make your presentation memorable.
d) Anticipating Questions
Be prepared for questions from your audience about your research. Think about potential queries related to your study design, methodology, results, and conclusions. Consider rehearsing answers to these anticipated questions to ensure you respond confidently during the presentation.
If you encounter a question you cannot answer on the spot, acknowledge it graciously. Promise to follow up with the individual later, and be sure to honor that commitment.
e) Addressing Feedback
A poster presentation is an opportunity not only to share your research but also to receive valuable feedback from your peers and colleagues. Embrace constructive criticism as an opportunity for growth and improvement. Be open to discussing alternative viewpoints or potential areas for further exploration.
Final notes
Preparing for a poster presentation requires a combination of thoughtful preparation, effective communication, and engaging delivery. By mastering the art of delivering your research with confidence and clarity, you can make a significant impact on your audience.
