National Health Information Management Conference

1. Research Paper Abstract – 2,000-to-3,000-word submission | 15-minute presentation (+5 mins questions).
   Submissions are welcome for both new research findings, and for smaller scale, narrower questions that focus on a process and early effects of interventions, relevant to the session topics.
   Specific guidelines for Research Papers are:

• • Papers are to be prepared as a Microsoft Word document, following the template accessible HERE
    • Title
    • A structured abstract, including headings: Introduction, Aim, Methods, Results, Discussion, Conclusion
    • The body of the paper should be structured according to the headings presented in the abstract
    • Reference list
    • Acknowledgements (if relevant). NB: If acknowledgements identify the authors or affiliations, please DO NOT place them here. Insert ‘to be advised’ under the Acknowledgement heading

1. • Text should be double-spaced, and margins should be 2.5cm on all sides.
   • Australian spelling should be used, conforming to the Macquarie Dictionary
   • Referencing should employ the Harvard (Author, Date) style. For further details see: https://citationsy.com/styles/la-trobe-university-harvard
   • Papers should be submitted through the Abstract Portal
   • Nominate the most relevant session topic from the list above, and that the submission is a Research Paper (see ‘General Submission Guidelines’ below for further information)
   • Nominate the presenting author details (in the Abstract Portal – not on the paper itself to accommodate the double-blind peer-review process), who should provide contact details and a 50-word biography, in the submission form. The number of presenters is limited to one. An additional presenter will be considered on individual request to the Conference Chairs.
2. Research Abstract – 650-word submission | 10-minute presentation (+5 mins questions). Abstracts should be structured using the template HERE and must include Title; Introduction (including Aim, Methods, Results, Discussion, Conclusion). The abstract should be submitted through the Abstract Portal as instructed below under ‘General Submission Guidelines.’ These abstracts are for work that will be completed in time for presentation at the conference, but not for a full-length paper to be prepared by the submission deadline.
3. Professional Practice Abstract – 650-word submission | 10-minute presentation (+5 mins questions). Abstracts should be structured using the template HERE and must include Title, Introduction (background/setting), Professional Practice/Case Study description, Outcome/Experience, Conclusion. The abstract should be submitted through the Abstract Portal as instructed below under ‘General Submission Guidelines.’
4. Poster – 250-word abstract submission. Abstracts should be structured using the template for Professional Practice Posters HERE or Research Posters HERE. Posters are invited for any relevant topic, informing research being developed/in progress; process or practice improvements; education and training; other issues relevant to health information managers or clinical coders. Abstracts should be structured and include headings appropriate to the topic and formats for either a research or professional development abstract as set out above. The abstract should be submitted through the Abstract Portal as instructed below under ‘General Submission Guidelines.’
   Posters should be a visual presentation of the submitted abstract and meet the following criteria:
   • Following acceptance, Conference National will arrange for printing of posters (size A0 in portrait orientation)
   • Posters should be typed in clear bold print that can be easily read from distances over 1-metre, with the title displayed in block capitals of minimum size 25mm (1″) at the top of the poster
   • The names of the author(s) and the institution(s) of origin should be displayed on the poster, preferably near the title
   • Referencing should employ the Harvard (Author, date) style. For further details see: https://citationsy.com/styles/la-trobe-university-harvard
   • Remaining contents may be displayed as the author sees fit
   • Illustrations should be professionally drawn
   • All contents should be simple and not overburdened with detail (minimising detail, maximises information transfer)
   • Where authors are attending, Poster presenters are recommended to be at their posters during catering breaks over the day/s they attend, for discussion with delegates
   • Authors may provide handout material relating to their poster and may wish to include a mobile number and/or email details to enable follow up and further discussion with delegates
5. Workshop – 650-word submission |  90 minutes duration. Abstracts should be structured using the template HERE and must include Title, Target Audience (HIMs Clinical Coders, SIG members, etc), Learning Objectives, Intended Outcomes, Evaluation. Every effort will be made to accommodate your preference, but the final time allocated and room setup will be determined based on the number of submissions and the Program capacity. The abstract should be submitted through the Abstract Portal as instructed below under ‘General Submission Guidelines.’

Students are encouraged to participate by submitting abstracts in categories 2-4 above, where they have topics appropriate to a category and Conference theme. NB – you will be able to identify that your submission is for a Student Abstract at the top of the template.