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Call for Scientific and Quality Improvement Project Papers and Posters

This call closed on July 31 at 2pm CT.


You are invited to submit a proposal for scientific and quality improvement projects for the Annual Assembly of Hospice & Palliative Care, March 18-21, 2020 in San Diego, CA.

  • First-time and previous presenters are encouraged to submit a proposal.
  • Authors with multiple abstracts are encouraged to thoughtfully submit their three best abstracts for review. View sample abstracts from previous years.


The Annual Assembly is an opportunity to share and disseminate best practices in the field. Authors are asked to consider both the impact of their proposed topic or research on underrepresented and underserved populations and its relevance to the diverse groups of attendees. Accordingly, presenters are encouraged to address issues of cultural competency in their abstracts, case examples, and presentations. When applicable, presenters are encouraged to describe how issues of cultural diversity, equity and inclusion are considered in their specific aims or session narrative.

Submissions should advance the Purpose and Objectives of the Annual Assembly.

If you are concerned about submitting an abstract, read the Pallimed article, "Confessions of a First-Time Presenter", for tips and advice.

Submission Instructions

Proposals may be submitted for the following types of presentations:

  • Paper: a 15-minute presentation of an original research study, systematic review or quality improvement project. A paper session consists of four oral presentations.
  • Poster: a visual presentation of an original research study, systematic review or quality improvement project.


Abstracts for this call could only be submitted from July 1 - July 31, 2019 at 2pm CT. Your submission will automatically be sent to the AAHPM office once you have completed all the forms and clicked "submit" on the website. Hard copy proposals cannot be accepted.

What to Include

Please provide all information requested in the online submission form, including:

  • Title: Take special care when entering your title since, if accepted, it may be published and the title will appear exactly as submitted.
    • Titles should be concise and descriptive for attendees trying to select sessions.
    • When entering the abstract title online, use mixed case (DO NOT use all caps or all lowercase) and do not place a period at the end of the title.
    • Enter the title in the "Title" field only and do not enter it in the body of the abstract.
    • Example of correct title formatting:
      • Correct: This is a Properly Formatted Abstract Title
      • Incorrect: THIS IS AN IMPROPERLY FORMATTED ABSTRACT TITLE
      • Incorrect: This is an improperly formatted abstract title
  • Objectives: Must be measurable and behavioral. Attendees must achieve the objectives as a result of attending your presentation.
    • Consider this goal but do not write "By the end of this session, my learners will be able to...". This should not be included when you list your actual objectives.
    • Start by using Bloom's Taxonomy to select an action verb that is observable and measurable.
    • Wrap it up by adding how your learners will apply the standard or how you assess them.
    • Review more instructions on writing objectives
      • Example of an acceptable objective: "Explain the key principles of hospice and palliative care."
    • View Bloom's Taxonomy of Measurable verbs
  • Abstract: 300 words maximum that describe the content of your original research, systematic review, or quality improvement project and of publishable quality. 
  • Authors: Do not list authors or commercial relationships in the body of the abstract. Please consult with your co-authors on how they would like their names to appear prior to submitting the abstract.
  • Conflicts of Interest: All primary authors and co-authors are required to disclose potential conflicts of interest prior to submitting the abstract.
  • Abstracts should reflect one of the listed keywords. 


If you require assistance or have questions about your proposal, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  or call 847.375.4712 between 8am and 6pm CST Monday through Friday.

If you receive a 404 or 500 error message during submission, please use the Feedback and Support tab on the right side of your screen.

Review and Notification

Proposals will be reviewed by members of the Annual Assembly Scientific and Quality Improvement Subcommittee based on designated criteria.

Notification of the proposal status will be emailed in October 2019 to the primary author listed on the submission.

Registration

Presenters of accepted proposals are required to register for the Annual Assembly and pay appropriate fees related to their attendance, as well as travel, hotel and other related expenses.