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Visual/Video Abstracts: Visual Abstracts

What is a visual/graphical abstract?

Visual/graphical abstracts are an accompanying feature of a research article that have become increasingly popular in recent years.

A visual abstract:

  • is a single image that contains a brief summary of the main findings
  • is a quick overview of the article
  • should not restate the text abstract
  • should contain fewer words than the actual abstract
  • is similar to an infographic

Creating A Visual Abstract

Basic steps to creating a visual abstract:

  1. Create visual fields using colored boxes.
  2. Add the title on top and the citation on the bottom.
  3. Add two or three key findings
  4. Add outcome values and any necessary brief descriptions.
  5. Add icons and images. Make sure you have permission or rights.

Image credit: Ibrahim, A.M. Components of an effective visual Abstract [Online image]. Retrieved from https://www.surgeryredesign.com/

Publishers' Guides:

Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine and College of Pharmacy
Harlem Campus 230 West 125th Street New York, NY 10027 (212) 851-1199