Submissions must be text only, no longer than 600 words without charts or tables. The 600-word count does not include the title of your project, your team members’ names/affiliations, abstract subheadings, acknowledgements and references.

Submission must include the following sections.

Abstract information

• abstract title
• presenter name(s)
• presenter role (select from list of partnership groups)
• presenter affiliation (for those who work in or for an organization)
• geographic health region where you live

Introduction and background

• clearly specify the problem or issue being explored
• clearly articulate the relevance of the problem to the health system

Learning community engagement

• describe who needed to be involved in this work
• describe the methods used to engage the groups in the learning community (e.g., Café Scientifique, advisory body)
• describe the methods used (or to be used) to address the problem

Knowledge mobilization

• describe how the learning community supported (or will support) the sharing or implementation of findings
• describe the lessons learned about collaborating with a learning community
• briefly describe the outcomes of the engagement

We welcome your contributions.

Anyone who has led or been actively engaged in a project that addresses or explores challenges and opportunities for health system research and improvement. Submissions must be for collaboration-based work that shows how learning communities were involved.

Each submission will be adjudicated on the following criteria:

• Project background: The background is clearly presented and includes definition of problem, methods, analysis, findings, implementation strategies.
• Significance: The submission clearly demonstrates the relevance of the problem as it impacts the health and/or health research ecosystems.
• Engagement: The submission shows how different groups are engaged and work together to address the problem.
• Mobilization of knowledge or implementation: The submission clearly identifies how learnings from the project were applied (or will be applied) and briefly identify its ultimate impact.

Completed projects or projects in progress are welcome.

Submissions will be adjudicated by a team comprised of patients, researchers, health care providers, and health system decision-makers.

Learning communities are groups of people with shared interests and goals, multiple perspectives, experiences, and expertise that meaningfully collaborate to solve health and health system problems.

No, learning communities are different than communities of practice. Although the definitions are similar, the specific intent of learning communities and community of practice are different.

Learning communities work together to solve a specific health system problem. The solution will be an outcome that can be clearly identified and evaluated.

Communities of practice share best practices and create new knowledge in a domain of professional practice.

Yes, submissions can be made during any stage of the project life cycle (i.e. conceptual, starting, midway, completion, implementation). All submissions must follow the same guidelines.

Yes, we welcome a wide variety of projects that reflect the work of learning communities. All submissions must follow the same guidelines.

No, we’re unable to accept late submissions.

No, there is no fee.

No. Figures and charts should be included on posters, if selected.

No revisions are possible. Please check carefully to before entering your submission.

While we recognize the limitations of a written submission, we are unable to accept video or spoken abstracts at this time.

All applicants meeting the submission criteria will be acknowledged in the conference program booklet. Presenters will be provided a certificate of attendance after the conference via email.

Posters should be 3 ft x 3 ft (36’’ x 36’’). Include sections specified in the abstract submission: information, introduction and background, learning community engagement and knowledge mobilization. References and acknowledgements must also be included.

Presenters are expected to print and bring their own materials to the conference. Conference organizers will provide boards to display posters.

Detailed instructions for posters will be sent to selected participants closer to the event.

Please check with your research team or entity supporting patient engagement in the project. They may provide funding for patient partners to present at events as part of their team.

The BC SUPPORT Unit will provide successful teams with a travel bursary of $250 to support patient partners participating as main poster presenters or co-presenters. Bursary details will be shared with successful applicants.

Yes, however, you must make your own arrangements to attend the conference.

The BC SUPPORT Unit will provide successful teams with a travel bursary of $250 to support patient partners participating as main poster presenters or co-presenters. Bursary details will be shared with successful applicants.

Please check with your research team or entity supporting patient engagement in the project. Many will provide funding for patient partners to attend events.

The BC SUPPORT Unit will provide successful teams with a travel bursary of $250 to support patient partners participating as main poster presenters or co-presenters. Bursary details will be shared with successful applicants.