Virtual Quality Symposium

• Primary author awarded admission to the symposium
• Interactive, virtual session allows presenters to share research and projects and connect with peers

Abstract: A brief, written summary (no more than 300 words) of the specific ideas or concepts to be presented, and a statement of their relevance to practice or research.

Poster Presentation: A presentation offering content using charts, graphs, illustrations, or photographs. Posters allow for informal, small group discussions with the presenter about the issue, problem, project, or research addressed in the poster. Accepted poster presenters will be required to create a PDF of their poster and engage with Symposium attendees in a scheduled virtual poster session. No printed posters are required.

Qualifying abstract submissions in all nutrition and dietetic related topics are encouraged and will be peer-reviewed for poster presentation at 2026 Virtual Quality symposium. The following types of abstracts are accepted:

• Research abstracts include brief descriptions of the author’s original research methodology, major findings, and conclusions, implications, or applications for quality and process improvement in dietetics practice.
• Project or program report abstracts contain information about the need or purpose for a quality program or project; the theory or previous research on which it is based; the unique characteristics of the project or program; the characteristics of subjects or target audience involved; and the type of evaluation or proposed use for the tool or instrument development along with relevant outcome information (if available).

Categories:

• Electronic Health Record and Technology
• Data Collection and Analysis Methodology
• Quality Basics and Project Implementation
• Nutrition Care Process and Terminology

All accepted poster presenters will:

• Identify one presenting author, if multiple authors are listed
• Provide a PDF of their poster and engage Symposium attendees in a scheduled virtual poster session
• Provide affiliations and disclosure of conflicts of interest for all listed authors
• Ensure availability for questions and answers during the virtual poster session
• Find an appropriate presenter replacement (co-author) if it becomes necessary for the presenter to withdraw from attending the 2026 Quality Symposium and notify CDR of this change immediately

All “blind” abstracts will be peer-reviewed by a panel of three nutrition and dietetics practitioners. Reviewers will not evaluate any abstract with which they have affiliation, prior knowledge, or personal commitment.

Research Abstracts are reviewed based on the following:

• Research outcome: Focus, clarity, justification of the research question
• Methods: Adequate description of design and appropriateness to the research question
• Analysis: Analytic procedures appropriate to the data collected and the research question
• Results: Scientifically sound, valid presentation, and interpretation of the results consistent with research question
• Conclusions: Appropriate representation of the results consistent with research question
• Overall scientific quality merit of the research and contribution to the science

Program or Project Report Abstracts are reviewed based on the following:

• Relevance: Clear purpose stated, appropriateness, timeliness, audience intrigue
• Priority: Recognized precedent; cutting-edge concern
• Originality: Uniqueness/innovation of topic or format
• Synthesis: Evaluation of report results, findings, or applications
• Methodology: Clear research design with potential application for future research
• Overall merit of the program/project research and contribution to the field of nutrition and dietetics

All submissions will follow the below outline, clearly identified, and must be 300 words or less.

1. Title: Clear, concise, and informative.
2. Background or Rationale: Brief context or problem statement. Should be 1–2 sentences.
3. Objective or Purpose: Clearly stated and specific.
4. Methods: Study or project design. This can include setting, population, key measures, data sources, tools or frameworks used, etc.
5. Results or Outcomes: Key findings or outcomes. Ensure to include data that supports the conclusion and relevance of what is being presented. Can be preliminary, as long as it is clearly stated as such.
6. Conclusion or Implications: Explain what the results mean and why it matters.
7. References: 3 or more that support your abstract submission.

Academy staff will summarize peer review results and communicate all final abstract selection decisions. If you have any questions or require additional information, contact Quality Management.

Read all the following information before accessing the abstract submission site:

1. Complete and submit all required fields in this online form including disclosures and the funding source. Submission will require uploading the abstract as a document, as well as the most recent CV or resume of the main author.
2. Students submitting abstracts must provide the name, resume/CV, e-mail, and phone number of their faculty advisor.
3. Abstracts should not exceed 300 words.
4. Proofread your abstract carefully. Do not rely on computer spell-check software only. Any abstracts that have significant typographical or grammatical errors will be disqualified.
5. Submissions must be made by 8 a.m. (Central time) on Monday March 2.

The Academy maintains full control over the planning, content and implementation of all educational programs including the selection of speakers, moderators and faculty. The intent of the educational programs is to provide quality sessions focused on educational content free from commercial influence or bias.

The Academy prohibits presentations that have as their purpose or effect promotion and/or advertising. This specifically includes pervasive or inappropriate use of brands, trademarks or logos.

Presentations designed primarily as describing commercially marketed programs, publications or products will not be accepted or tolerated. To this end, program planners, session participants and sponsors are prohibited from engaging in scripting or targeting commercial or promotional points for specific emphasis, or other actions designed to infuse the overall content of the program with commercial or promotional messages.

Statements made should not be viewed as, or considered representative of, any formal position taken on any product, subject, or issue by the Academy. It is the responsibility of the program planner to ensure compliance by all speakers.

If the need arises, the presenting author must inform Academy staff of all cancellations or changes. It is the main author's responsibility to find a co-author to present your abstract at the virtual poster session.

For any cancellations or changes, please notify staff via emailing Quality Management as soon as possible.