Developing a poster for disseminating research findings

One of the goals of research should be the dissemination of research findings. Presentation of research findings to an audience of interest can be accomplished through formal or informal presentations at professional conferences or on a departmental level, publication in a variety of professional journals, and presentation as a poster session. Poster presentations attract an audience of similar interest, permit interaction and clarification of the research process and findings by the researcher, allow creative expression in presentation, and help to build collegial relationships with others who hold similar interests. Posters are also a way for educators to present the research findings of others that answer specific clinical questions or provide a means of staff development. A well-designed poster gives the viewer a concise overview of the research problem/purpose, research methodology, sample, results, and implications. Since the less formal poster presentation is viewed as less intimidating to some researchers and conference participants, posters may provide a more relaxed atmosphere in which the exchange of information takes place.