Abstracts Information
Important Information
The HASA Quality Summit returns this year with a strong focus on reimagining healthcare quality, strengthening the healthcare workforce and driving meaningful quality improvement across South Africa.
HASA invites abstract submissions on how artificial intelligence, equity and innovation can be harnessed to advance quality care, while also examining new approaches to workforce planning that keep the patient firmly at the centre of care delivery, as well as approaches that drive quality improvement and better patient outcomes.
We welcome abstracts based on both completed research and ongoing work. Authors are also encouraged to submit quality improvement and best practice initiatives. Shortlisted submissions will be invited to provide accompanying digital posters which will be displayed at the conference venue, and selected authors will have the opportunity to present their work in-person at the HASA Quality Summit and Conference 2026 to compete in the awards for each of the three abstract themes.
Themes:
- Reimagining healthcare quality: AI, equity and innovation in South Africa
- Innovations in workforce planning: Keeping the patient at the centre
- Driving quality improvement in healthcare: Practical strategies and multidisciplinary leadership for better outcomes
Important Dates:
15 JULY 2026
Abstracts submission deadline
7 AUGUST 2026
Shortlisted abstracts for digital posters and in-person presentations notified
31 AUGUST 2026
In-person presentation and digital posters submission deadline
Abstract Guidelines
Before submitting abstracts, we would ask you to familiarise yourself with the abstract and administrative guidelines following.
- Abstracts can only be submitted online via the abstract submission portal below.
- With your abstract, upload the entry and author responsibilities forms. Both can be downloaded from this web page.
- Abstracts submitted without the forms mentioned cannot be accepted.
- Abstracts must be submitted in English in 1.5 line spacing, using Calibri or Arial fonts.
- It is the responsibility of the presenting author to submit. They are the main contact responsible for communicating with other co-authors.
- The submitter is responsible for obtaining consent to publish the names of authors/co-authors.
- The presenting/submitting author is the person who will physically present the abstract at the conference if the abstract is shortlisted, and who is listed as the presenter in the conference programme.
- The Registration and Gala Dinner fees will be waivered for the shortlisted candidates.
Online Submission
Abstract Submissions will be made via the upload facility on this web page. All uploads should be in .pdf format. Any queries may be emailed to abstracts@conferencehasa.co.za.
In order to ensure a successful submission, please adhere to the guidelines below.
- The correct theme and topic must be selected to ensure correct scoring.
- The content of the abstract must be related to the theme.
- The Scientific Committee reserves the right to re-categorise an abstract.
- Abstracts must meet international ethical standards.
- Abbreviations should be defined.
- Trade names cannot be mentioned in the title. However, trade names in brackets will be accepted in the body of the text.
- An abstract cannot be accepted if the “conflict of interest” disclosure has not been completed on the submission form. If the presenter or one of the co-authors has a conflict of interest, this must be clearly stated.
- Please ensure that all aspects of POPIA are upheld that no patient identifiable information is shared in the submission.
- Each abstract must clearly state the following:
- Abstract title (the title of the abstract must not exceed 15 words).
- Full names and affiliations of all authors.
- The name of the presenting author must appear under presenting author details.
- The presenting authors will be requested to leave a contact cell phone number and current job title.
- The presenting authors will be requested to leave a contact cell phone number and current job title.
- The word limits per required area of your abstract:
- Introduction – 50 words
- Aim/Objectives – 50 words
- Body (including materials and methods – 150 words.
- Results – 50 words
- You will receive a letter of acknowledgement if you have successfully submitted your abstract. If you do not receive a letter of acknowledgement, your abstract cannot be considered successfully submitted and received.
- Please read through the rubric for abstract submissions to ensure you understand the specific requirements that the judging panel will utilise for scoring purposes. Marks can be lost for lack of quality in spelling and grammar. The abstract will be reproduced for the panel exactly as submitted. No proofreading will be done.
- If you need to withdraw your abstract, a written statement reflecting the reasons for this decision must be sent to: abstracts@conferencehasa.co.za.
- The reviewers will judge qualifying abstracts according to the following general criteria set out in the:
- Rubric for abstract submissions that is available on this page and
- A standardised scoring tool.
- Authors of abstracts shortlisted by the panel will be asked to submit digital copies of posters that encapsulate their abstract work.
- Shortlisted posters will be displayed digitally at the Conference.
- The top 3 abstracts in each theme will be invited to present in-person at the HASA Conference. The judging panel will score the presentations, and the winners will be announced at Conference.
- The decision of the scientific panel is final.
- The 9 shortlisted (three from each theme) oral presentations at the conference will be about 10 minutes in total. 7 minutes are allocated for the presentation and 3 minutes for Q&A from the judges.
- Full presentation guidelines will be included in the confirmation letter posted to shortlisted candidates.
- No honorarium or financial support will be provided to presenters of accepted abstracts.
If you experience any problem or if you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact the abstract management team at abstracts@conferencehasa.co.za
All accepted abstracts will be published in the Hospital Association’s bi-monthly publication. Abstracts that do not adhere to the specific format will not be published.