The 2021 ASM will be held from October 29-30. We are excited to once again offer an engaging virtual experience where our delegates can join us from the comfort of their homes or offices to learn, share and network with their colleagues from across the country!

We encourage submissions that relate to the theme of the conference, particularly those that highlight new or emerging topics, research or treatments (e.g., artificial intelligence, innovative technologies) and those that place an emphasis on health equity, diversity and social justice. This can include submissions focused on diverse gender and sexual identities, Indigenous health, cultural safety, anti-racism, disability, poverty and other underrepresented topics related to vulnerabilities/inequities in older adult mental health care.

We invite you to participate and welcome abstract submissions from across the country and from all disciplines. We hope you will join us at the pre-eminent meeting for Seniors’ Mental Health in Canada.

We look forward to welcoming you virtually again this year!

Sincerely,

The 2021 ASM Planning Committee

#CAGPCCSMH2021

Abstract Submission Guidelines

Information about Abstract Submission

• Please note that we encourage abstract submissions in French.
• When you are submitting your abstract we would like you to answer the following question: “How are you incorporating diversity, inclusivity and/or equity in your presentation?” Please consider this when you are preparing to submit.
• The categories for abstract submissions include poster presentation, oral presentation, workshop, symposium and clinical case presentation.
• If research results will not be ready by the time of submission, you must submit in a poster format.
• Given that we only have a certain number of spaces available in the program, the 2021 ASM Planning Committee may change the format of the presentation you submit to optimize the number of presentations possible. In many cases, we may accept your presentation in a poster format due to limited space. However, the poster session is a very important and appreciated part of our scientific program - it has left our attendees asking for more!
• All abstracts must be submitted in the standardized format irrespective of presentation preference and must consist of a title, background, methods, results and conclusions. 

• The maximum word count is 250 words. 

Abstract Category Definitions

The abstract categories are defined as follows:

Clinical Case Presentation: This presentation is intended for informative clinical cases. There should be maximal audience participation, interaction and discussion. The clinical case must be supported by literature and evidence around the teaching and learning points. 

Oral Presentation: An oral presentation is approximately 15 minutes in length (the exact time will be confirmed, but this presentation typically consists of an 11-minute talk followed by a 4-minute question and answer period). 

Poster Presentation:  The 2021 ASM will have a virtual poster component. Accepted poster presenters will be required to submit a pre-recorded video description of their poster and an electronic poster for inclusion in the virtual poster room. Poster presenters are required to register and attend the virtual CGS ASM. Further details regarding posters and the poster portal logistics will be made available upon acceptance. There will also be an award for Top Poster Presenter and our very popular Track Poster Session for trainees, which is a facilitated poster session allowing the presenter the opportunity to receive constructive feedback. 

Symposium: A symposium is a presentation that consists of two or three separate talks around a similar theme. Step 1 of the submission will consist of a summary submitted for the overall symposium as a whole, including an overall set of learning objectives for the session, the overall symposium title and a brief description of the symposium. Step 2 will consist of a separate abstract for each individual talk within the symposium. The symposium chair must share the title of the overall symposium with the individual speakers so that they may include the overall symposium title in their abstract submission.

Workshop: A workshop is 60 minutes in length and must be highly interactive, lively and informative. Workshops are particularly suited to sessions encouraging skills development or in which role play or other dynamic teaching approaches are desired.

For a sample of an abstract, please take a look at the Book of Abstracts from 2020.

Learning Objectives

All submissions require three learning objectives. Key information about Royal College expectations for learning objectives can be found here. Please avoid verbs that are often used but are open to many interpretations (e.g., appreciate, have faith in, know, learn, understand, believe). Click here for a link to suggested verbs. 

Instructions

• Abstract submissions are due on March 9, 2021, by 11:59 p.m. EST.
• Abstract submissions will be accepted using the online submission platform only. Click the appropriate button below to submit.
• Once you have completed the online submission, you will receive immediate automated confirmation of receipt of your submission.
• All abstract submissions will be peer-reviewed.
• Please include the title, the three learning objectives and the abstract text of no more than 250 words.
• Learning objectives must indicate what the participants will learn from the presentation in terms of knowledge, skills or attitudes.
• In keeping with accreditation requirements, a minimum of 25% of the presentation time must be allotted for audience discussion and participation.
• You will receive an email notification of the 2021 ASM Planning Committee’s decision regarding your submission in mid-May 2021.
• All applicants are responsible for their own travel costs and must register and pay in full to attend the conference. 
• By submitting your abstract, you agree to have it published in the Canadian Geriatrics Journal.