Continuous quality improvement applied to a scientific assembly: the history of the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma.

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study was to measure the quality of the research presented at the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma (EAST) for the first 5 years.

METHODS

Abstracts from the scientific assemblies of EAST, 1988-1992, were reviewed. Five elements were identified for each abstract, the research question, the research design, the sampling method, the validity of the conclusions, and if the research question was answered. These were identified because of their significant impact on the quality of the research presented in the abstract format.

RESULTS

Two hundred two abstracts were reviewed. There was a significant improvement in research design, in the sampling method, in the validity of the conclusions, and in the proportion of research questions answered. There was an initial improvement in the presence of a research question, but it was not sustained.

CONCLUSION

The results clearly demonstrate an improvement in the quality of the abstracts chosen for presentation at the scientific assembly of the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma. Further improvements can be made by adding the category of 'research question' or 'purpose' and requiring a structured abstract.