Factors Associated With the Conversion of Oral Abstracts to Journal Publication After Presentation at the Annual American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons Conference: 2015 to 2019

Abstract

The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) oral abstract publication rate (80.7%) is currently the highest reported for any national foot and ankle society conference to date. Factors associated with the conversion of an abstract to a full text journal publication, as well as barriers to the conversion have been previously assessed for the ACFAS 2010 to 2014. The purpose of the present study was to re-assess factors associated with the journal publication, and time to publication of oral abstracts from the ACFAS 2015 to 2019. Databases containing abstract information were procured, and predictor variables were categorized as either abstract, or author specific. Bivariate analysis was conducted using the Mann-Whitney U-Test, Fisher's exact test, chi-square test of independence, or Spearman's rank correlation. Multivariable logistic regression, and generalized linear regression models were utilized to analyze predictor variables. Projects from academic institutions (p = 0.001), by attending faculty (p = 0.012), with formal research training (p = 0.035) were more likely achieve journal publication following conference presentation, in less time. The abstract/author specific variables were the only significant predictors of publication/time to publication, although trends with respect to other variables were identified (region of the college, funding). The present study further broadens our understanding on the factors associated with successful conversion of an oral abstract to journal publication following conference presentation. The associations and trends identified lend credence to previous studies, while also helping to form a foundation for meaningful discussion(s) on how best to aim the colleges research efforts moving forward.