Abstract: SA-PO196
Leveraging the Internet to Showcase Abstracts and ePosters: Online Engagement at a National Meeting
Session Information
- Educational Research
October 27, 2018 | Location: Exhibit Hall, San Diego Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Educational Research
- 800 Educational Research
Authors
- Lapsia, Vijay, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United States
- Vassalotti, Joseph A., Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United States
Background
Scientific posters are traditionally printed and presented on site to interactively share research findings. However, this format is limiting, particularly with digital media and archival that allows for review of posters by attendees virtually after the meeting is over. It is unknown if hosting abstracts and posters online can improve access and enhance engagement.
Methods
Authors of accepted abstracts for National Kidney Foundation's 2018 Spring Clinical Meetings were invited to upload posters in an online gallery displaying abstracts, posters and supplementary media. As a part of the submission, authors completed a brief survey. Web analytics software tools were embedded to measure audience engagement and usage during and after the meeting. Categorical data from the survey and audience data from web analytics were analyzed for frequency & descriptive statistics and usage trends.
Results
A total of 458 abstracts with 254 supplementary media files were submitted for consideration, 365 of which were accepted for publication and currently displayed at https://nkf2018scm.site online. Almost all authors gave permission to publish the poster online (96.7%) and a little over half (58.6%) uploaded posters to the online gallery. The survey response rate was 35.2%. Top features that users recommended included the ability to connect with other authors (73.2%), comment and save gallery items (68%), ability to view the gallery as well as media files including video and images on smartphones (64.6%) and integration with social media to share submissions (52.7%). Audience analytics revealed 2,114 users from 59 countries accessed the gallery within 30 days of the meeting, 1,190 of which came online during the 4 day meeting. Users were predmoninatly from the USA (78.04%), more than half (55.95%) used a mobile device, with 78.5% on iOS devices and 30.2% using the chrome browser. Peak gallery usage coincided with the first two days of the meeting with late morning and early evening being the busiest hours. Notable referral sources included stocktwits.com a social media platform for investors (98 referrals), medical news sites and pharma company intranets.
Conclusion
Hosting abstracts, posters and supplementary media in an online gallery can extend and enhance engagement during and after the meeting. Access to the gallery on mobile devices may be key to improving usage.