Abstract should be based on your research question(s) and the main purpose of your study. Based on my own experience, to develop a precise and effective abstract, you should write it after completing all the other parts of your paper or dissertation.
Writing an abstract for a qualitative research study involves summarizing the key aspects of the study in a concise and informative manner. Here is a sample abstract:
Title: Exploring the Lived Experiences of Healthcare Professionals Working in the ICU during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Abstract:
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on healthcare professionals, particularly those working in the ICU. This qualitative study aimed to explore the lived experiences of healthcare professionals working in the ICU during the pandemic. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 15 healthcare professionals, including nurses, doctors, and respiratory therapists. Thematic analysis was used to identify common themes in the data. Four main themes emerged: (1) emotional impact, (2) coping strategies, (3) patient care challenges, and (4) teamwork and support. The results highlight the emotional toll that the pandemic has had on healthcare professionals and the importance of effective support and coping strategies. The findings also underscore the critical role of teamwork and collaboration in providing quality patient care during challenging times. These insights have implications for healthcare organizations in terms of developing strategies to support and protect the well-being of their staff during times of crisis.
The guidance as per the following papers may further help:
Alexandrov, A. V. and Hennerici, M. G. (2007) Writing good abstracts, Cerebrovascular Diseases, 23, 4, pp. 256-259.
Jalalian, M. (2012) Editorial: Writing an eye-catching and evocative abstract for a research article: A practical approach, Electronic Physician, 4, 3, pp. 520-524.
Mahrer, K. D. (1993) Some considerations when abstracting, Geophysics, 58, 1, pp. 10-11.
Nagda, S. (2013) How to write a scientific abstract, Journal of Indian Prosthodontic Society, 13, 3, pp. 382-383.