Call For Abstracts

We invite you to submit an abstract for presentation at the 2025 Annual Conference of the ASCN UK (ASCNUK25), taking place from 12th-14th October 2025 at ICC Wales. This premier event brings together Specialist Stoma Care Nurses, industry professionals, and other third party organisations, offering a platform to share insights, research and case studies that advance stoma care. We are delighted to share that this year’s theme is Developing Trends – Enhancing the Future of Stoma Care.

The function of an abstract is to provide a brief, descriptive summary, informing the reader of the purpose and direction of the report or topic. It highlights key areas covered, the main arguments or outcomes, and the conclusions reached. Abstracts should state briefly and clearly the purpose, methods, results, and conclusions of the work.

The Organising Committee invites Members and Non-Members to contribute to this vibrant and diverse conference by submitting an abstract. Selected abstracts will be featured in poster or oral presentations, providing an invaluable opportunity to showcase your work to a wide audience of dedicated professionals.

Don’t miss this chance to contribute to the largest Specialist Stoma Care Nurse conference in the UK.

The call for abstracts is open until 6th May 2025. Please note that no abstracts will be accepted after the closing date.

Submit Abstract Here

New Presenters Award

Sponsored by Coloplast, the ASCN UK New Presenters Award is designed not only support but also to encourage first-time speakers in the field of stoma care nursing. The award provides new presenters with a supportive mentorship programme to build confidence and effectively share their knowledge at the ASCN UK Annual Conference.

Find out more here.

Writing a Successful Abstract

Writing an abstract is the snapshot for promoting the great work that you do. We want to support you in making the most of your application and hope the below will provide you with the guidance and structure to enhance the quality of your submission.

The Complete Conference Guide Webinars

The Complete Conference Guide is a two-part webinar series designed to equip you with the essential skills to excel at conferences. Whether you’re new to the conference circuit or looking to refine your approach, this series will guide you through the entire process – from crafting a standout abstract that gets accepted to delivering presentations and posters that captivate your audience. You can access the recordings of these sessions on the ASCN UK website.

Guide to Writing a Successful Abstract

The guidance below has been written based on the following references: Perrin A (2022) How to write a successful abstract; Happell B (2008) Conference presentations: A guide to writing the abstract, Nurse Researcher, 15 (4) 79-87; and Coad J, Devitt P, Hardicre J (2007) Ten steps to developing an abstract for conferences, British Journal of Nursing, 16 (7).

What is an abstract?

An abstract is a summary of the topic you would like to present at the conference. It is an opportunity to highlight the evidence, facts, case study or research you have undertaken and demonstrate the value to your colleagues and the contribution to the speciality of stoma care.
Who can submit?

The ASCN UK Organising Committee invites members and non-members to submit an abstract to be presented at ASCNUK25 as a poster or oral presentation.

There can be more than one author, but a maximum of two people may present. The main author/presenter should submit the abstract and is likely to present at the conference. If another person is presenting on their behalf, they must be a paid delegate.
Do I have to pay to submit my abstract?

There is no fee for submitting. If your submission is accepted for presentation or poster, you or a representative will be required to attend the conference and pay the conference registration fees. A representative can be sent on your behalf if you are unable to attend at short notice.
The structure of the abstract:
Title: appropriate, meaningful and should be as brief as possible but long enough to clearly indicate the nature of the submission topic (maximum 20 words).

Introduction: the purpose and background of the abstract and why this would be of interest/importance; aims and objectives.

Content: Brief outline of approach, study design / method.

Is it a case study, service development/evaluation; research, collaborative team working, political, education, product evaluation.

For example, a case study, literature review or study should include method (how you did it) and results (what you found or if waiting for result). Do not include product or company names.

Conclusion / Outcomes: A summary of the main results or findings clearly state the conclusion and clinical outcome. What implication/value does this have to the knowledge of specialist practice/ patient outcomes/education.

References: Maximum of 5 should be included (maximum 200 words). Use Harvard referencing please.

Learning Outcomes: Maximum of 3 should be included (maximum 50 words).

Key Words: Maximum of 3 should be included.

Word Count: The word count for an abstract for ASCNUK25 is 300 words. All abstracts should be written in English. Attention to spelling and grammar will add to the quality of your abstract.

Ensure there is a logical sequence showing the overall significance of your topic. Take time to proofread your submission very carefully.
Points to avoid within your abstract
Any specific names of people or institutions/organisations should be avoided.

No product trade names – provide descriptive of the function of the product.

Any patient names to be anonymised.
How to submit an abstract
PLEASE NOTE ONCE YOU SUBMIT YOUR ABSTRACT YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO EDIT IT.

Important information

Abstracts are submitted online.

If you are submitting more than one abstract, you can use the same email address and password for each abstract.

An individual abstract is required for each oral or poster submissions.

All abstracts must be submitted

The Submission Process

When you click the “Submit Here” button, you will be taken to a screen from which the submission process starts.

Submitting an abstract is a multi-step process. Each step asks several questions:

Step 1: Enter the full title of your submission in no more than 20 words.

Step 2: Choose your preferred means of presentations – poster, oral or either.

Step 3: Specify the theme that best describes your submission e.g. case study, service development/evaluation; research, collaborative team working, political, education, product evaluation (please note: this is not a marketing tool, avoid mentioning products or company names). Choose one theme which best fits your abstract, as there might be more than one.

Step 4: Enter the author(s) and their institutions.

Step 5: Enter title, abstract, references/bibliography (use the Harvard referencing system), learning outcomes and key words as directed.

Step 6: Review and save your submission before clicking the submit.
Amending a submission
Withdrawing an abstract
How are abstracts selected?
Marking criteria

Marking is based on a number of factors including the title, abstract, references/bibliography, good knowledge of topic area, flow and clarity of abstract, overall impression, learning outcomes and keywords.

The scoring depends on how many of these factors were present in the abstract.

All abstracts are anonymous during the shortlisting process. Abstracts are invited under all topics but may not be accepted if there are more than one abstract on the same/similar topic/theme.
When will I hear about the outcome of my submission?
Where are abstracts published?

All those submissions that are accepted for presentation will be published on the virtual conference platform. We will make your abstract available in the version supplied by you. It will be printed exactly as submitted which means that any errors or spelling mistakes will show.
Any questions?

Submit Abstract Here

Join us at ASCNUK25

ASCNUK25 offers a unique opportunity to connect with nurses and industry professionals from diverse organisations and disciplinary backgrounds, all focused on a common interest.

Book your place to join us at ICC Wales for ASCNUK25, taking place from the 12th-14th October 2025.

Book Your Place