Call for Abstracts

 

2026 Abstract Guidelines
2026 Abstract Submission Form
Abstract Submission Deadline: Friday, August 29, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. U.S. Central Time (CT)

Plan to submit your research through the 2026 Call for Abstracts! The International Society of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurses (ISPN) is proud to present an exciting program guided by the theme “Innovate, Integrate, INSPIRE: Charting the Future of Psychiatric Nursing.” This year’s conference, taking place March 18-21, 2026 at the Grand Hyatt Seattle, will feature leading-edge content focused on innovation, integration, advancements in psychiatric-mental health nursing practice, prevention and treatment of substance use and co-occurring disorders.

Abstract Prioritization: 
Presenters may submit more than one abstract; however, to ensure broad participation and a diversity of perspectives, the Conference Committee will prioritize acceptance of one oral abstract per primary presenter. Abstracts that closely align with the conference theme will be given priority during the review process. All submissions will undergo a double blinded peer review to support fairness and objectivity in the selection process. 

Conference Goals: 
  • Advance innovation and excellence in psychopharmacological treatment across the psychiatric nursing continuum. 
  • Integrate emerging technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) into advanced psychiatric-mental health nursing practice and education. 
  • Promote equitable, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive care to diverse populations with a focus on evidence-based therapeutic modalities. 
  • Enhance research translation and evidence based interventions for the prevention and treatment of substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. 
  • Inspire leadership, innovation, and transformative approaches in advanced psychiatric mental health nursing education and workforce development.

Annual Conference Objectives:
At the end of this Conference, the participant should be able to:

Goal 1 Objectives
1. Identify emerging trends in psychopharmacology applicable to advanced psychiatric-mental health nursing practice.
2. Demonstrate increased understanding of evidence-based prescribing principles through participation in interactive discussions.
3. Evaluate patient safety and monitoring strategies related to psychotropic medication use through case-based dialogue.
Goal 2 Objectives
1. Analyze at least two clinical applications of AI in psychiatric nursing through expert-led presentations.
2. Identify ethical considerations and clinical implications of digital mental health technologies through panel discussions.
3. Draft an implementation plan for integrating technology into practice or educational environments.
Goal 3 Objectives
1. Describe three culturally responsive care strategies for use in diverse psychiatric settings.
2. Examine trauma-informed care models during case presentations focused on underserved and marginalized communities.
3. Complete a structured self-assessment tool to evaluate and reflect on equity and inclusion practices.
Goal 4 Objectives
1. Identify and compare harm reduction strategies for individuals with co-occurring psychiatric and substance use disorders.
2. Critically review recent evidence on relapse prevention and integrative treatment models in psychiatric care.
3. Discuss policy and education initiatives that support access and reduce stigma in substance use treatment.
Goal 5 Objectives
1. Develop a leadership action item informed by presentations and peer exchange.
2. Explore and reflect on new teaching innovations to incorporate into psychiatric nursing education.
3. Analyze workforce trends and articulate key priorities for developing the future of the psychiatric nursing workforce.
 
Types of Submissions:
Abstracts will be reviewed under the following six categories:
  • Evidence-Based Practice and Research
  • Advancing Equity and Inclusion: Trauma-Informed and Culturally Responsive Psychiatric Nursing
  • Innovation and/or Artificial Intelligence
  • Substance Use and Co-Occurring Disorders
  • Psychopharmacology
  • Psychotherapy
Pharmacology Content:
Pharmacology contact hours are intended to strengthen prescribing knowledge and clinical monitoring skills related to pharmacotherapy. Acceptable topics include pharmacokinetics, drug mechanisms, side effect management, and clinical application. For pharmacology credit to be awarded, content must be supported by the presentation’s learning objectives and session details. Casual or incidental mentions of medications will not qualify.
During abstract submission, you will be asked to estimate the number of minutes within your presentation that will directly address pharmacology content. The options available are: 120, 90, 60, 45, 30, 15, and or 0 minutes.

Presentation Format

Oral Presentations (30 or 60 minutes):
Sessions should focus on research, clinical innovations, education, or administrative topics. Active participant engagement is highly encouraged. 

  • Research presentations should highlight outcomes and cultural considerations in psychiatric-mental health practice. 
  • Evidence-based practice presentations are expected to focus on case-based approaches relevant to clinical settings. 
  • Education-focused presentations should demonstrate a direct connection to psychiatric nursing instruction and pedagogy. 
  • Innovation and artificial intelligence submissions should showcase the application of simulation, digital tools, or emerging technologies. 
  • Psychopharmacology sessions should address pharmacologic issues within a specific population. 

180 Minute Pre-Conference Workshop Opportunities (Competitive Selection):
ISPN offers two selective pre-conference workshops as part of the 2026 Annual Conference. One workshop focuses on psychotherapy and the other on psychopharmacology. Workshops should be designed to be interactive, skill building sessions featuring structured facilitation. Additionally the workshops should offer participants the opportunity for hands-on learning, practice-based engagement, and in depth discussion. Preference will be given to proposals that clearly demonstrate interactive design, participant engagement, and align with the conference theme. 

Poster Presentation:
Poster presentations offer a dynamic and visually engaging format to showcase research, clinical projects, educational innovations, and practice improvements. They create valuable opportunities for one-on-one dialogue with conference attendees, fostering meaningful exchange and feedback. Poster sessions are particularly well suited for works in progress, pilot initiatives, and student-led projects. 

Read more about the abstract guidelines here.

Plan to submit your research prior to Friday, August 29, 2025. Questions? Send an email to [email protected].