Kicking Off Cost-Efficient Abstracts: Factors Influencing Abstract Development Time

Objective: We aimed to determine factors affecting abstract development time (ADT) in order to maximize efficiency and minimize cost. Research Design and Methods: Data were collected from 27 (of 157 total) abstracts developed by Nucleus Global in conjunction with external clients for publication at scientific meetings. The mean number of hours spent on the project (editorial and management time) was calculated, and predictors were examined. Two-tailed t tests were used to determine the relationship between key predictors and ADT. For continuous predictors, a median split was performed prior to conducting the t test. Results: Results are presented in the table. Conclusion: Having data available and holding a kickoff call at abstract initiation significantly reduce the number of hours required for completion; more drafts were associated with longer ADT. The number of authors was not significantly related to ADT.