Visual Abstracts: Redesigning the Landscape of Research Dissemination

Everly Ramos; Beatrice P Concepcion

doi:10.1016/j.semnephrol.2020.04.008

Visual Abstracts: Redesigning the Landscape of Research Dissemination

Semin Nephrol. 2020 May;40(3):291-297. doi: 10.1016/j.semnephrol.2020.04.008.

Authors

Everly Ramos¹, Beatrice P Concepcion²

Affiliations

¹ Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN.
² Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN. Electronic address: beatrice.p.concepcion@vumc.org.

PMID: 32560778
DOI: 10.1016/j.semnephrol.2020.04.008

Abstract

A visual abstract is a graphic summary of a study designed to enable readers to process key methods, findings, and conclusions rapidly. This allows readers to preview the article and decide if it is worth pursuing further. Similar to the text abstract, it is not a substitute for reading the full article. Its succinct format and attractive design make a visual abstract ideal for sharing on social media, thereby allowing journals and authors to promote published articles, and to facilitate discussion through tweets, blog posts, journal clubs, and scientific meetings. Guidelines for creating a visual abstract are available, but maintaining an acceptable standard remains a challenge. Visual abstract editors may be helpful in ensuring quality.

Keywords: Twitter; Visual abstract; medical education; research dissemination; social media.

Publication types

Review