2026 Abstract Submissions

ABSTRACT SUBMISSIONS OPEN UNTIL 25TH MAY 2026

CLOSING DATE FOR SUBMISSIONS NAPICU will not accept any submissions after Thursday 28th May 2026. Please ensure you submit prior to this date to avoid disappointment.

Showcase Your Work in PICU – Submit Your Abstract Today!

The NAPICU Annual Conference is your opportunity to present your research or practice-related projects in Psychiatric Intensive Care Units (PICUs) and Low Secure Units (LSUs). Your work does not have to align with the conference theme—this is your chance to showcase valuable contributions to psychiatric care.

Submission Deadline & Key Dates

Submission Deadline: ~~Monday, 25th May 2026~~ Now extended to 28th May 2026
Shortlisted Applicants Notified: Monday, 8th June 2026
Conference Registration Deadline for Presenters: Monday 3rd August 2026. Abstract Winners for Posters & Oral Presentation will be announce at the Gala Dinner Awards, please ensure you have a ticket to attend or a colleague can attend on your behalf to accept the award.
Final Abstract & Photograph for Oral Presenters: Required before the conference.
Final PDF Submission for Posters: Required for display on the NAPICU Conference App/Website.

Oral or Poster Presentation – What’s the Difference?

Oral Presentations: 15–20 minute slots alongside keynote speakers.
Poster Presentations: Displayed at the conference for judges & delegates to view throughout the conference.
You can submit for an oral, poster, or both. Judges will determine the final format for each accepted submission.

Judging Criteria?

Title: Does it accurately reflect the study and method?
Introduction: Is it clear and relevant to advancing mental health care?
Aims: Are the aims well-defined?
Methods: Is the rationale sound? Are the objectives, design, and methods appropriate?
Results: Are findings clearly presented and supported by evidence?
Conclusion: Do the conclusions align with the findings?

Prizes?

Oral Presentation Winner: £200
Poster Presentation Winner: £100
Winning submissions may be published in the Journal of Psychiatric Intensive Care (subject to peer review, please note this is not guarenteed).
Winners will be announced at the Gala Dinner Awards on Thursday, 17th September 2026.

how to submit?

Prepare an abstract (350–500 words; max 350 if including a table or figure).

Choose a category:

Research
Quality Improvement
Service Development
Service Evaluation
Other (provide details upon submission)

Use the required Abstract Template with the following structure:

Introduction/Background
Aims & Objectives
Methods
Results
Conclusion
References

IMPORTANT: Abstracts are reviewed anonymously—do not include author names or affiliations in the document.

Winners will be announced at the Gala Dinner Awards on Thursday, 17th September 2026.

our 2026 abstract winners

Enhancing Reflective Practice on two PICU Wards: A Two-Year Quality Improvement Project

Steffania Goffredo

Abstract Presentation Winner

Service Improvement Project: Reducing Risks and Enhancing Efficiency in CAMHS Inpatient (Red Kite View) Emergency Department Transfers

Blessing Alele, Natalie Kirby, Emily Taylor, Rachel Voller

Poster Winners

Occupational Therapy Practice in Seclusion: A UK Survey Exploring Assessment, Intervention, and Multi-disciplinary Contributions

Natalie Greenwell

Poster Runner-Up