Correction and Retraction Policy

At the Journal of Clinical Medical Research (JCMR), we hold the highest regard for accuracy, integrity, and ethical standards in scientific publishing. Acknowledging the potential for post-publication issues to arise, we have meticulously crafted a robust Correction and Retraction Policy to address such concerns with diligence and transparency. This policy delineates the procedures and outcomes associated with potential errors, aiming to uphold the credibility and reliability of the research we disseminate.

Post-publication issues

Recognizing the complexity of post-publication issues, JCMR is committed to upholding scientific research integrity through thorough investigations into concerns raised by authors or readers. Authors are provided with an opportunity to address concerns during the investigation, ensuring transparency and fairness throughout the process. Access to original unprocessed data may be requested, and advice from subject matter experts may be sought to facilitate a comprehensive examination of the issues at hand.

Outcomes depending on the gravity

The outcomes of our investigation process vary depending on the nature and severity of the identified issues. For manuscripts under evaluation, if concerns are raised before publication, the article may be declined and returned to the author during the pre-publication/production stage. For published articles, a range of outcomes is possible based on the severity of the issues identified.

Possible outcomes for published articles

Errata: For significant errors affecting the publication record, scientific integrity, author reputation, or the journal, JCMR may issue an erratum. Errata include corrections for errors of omission, typing errors, or significant errors in figures or tables.

Corrigenda: In cases where errors are identified in the author list but not overlooked acknowledgments, a corrigendum may be published after consultation among editors and co-authors.

Correction or Addendum: To provide clarity and completeness to the published research, JCMR may issue a correction or addendum. Addenda are rarely published and are only deemed necessary if the additional information is crucial to the reader’s understanding of a significant aspect of the published contribution.

Editor’s Note or Expression of Concern: An editor’s note or expression of concern may be issued if issues of concern arise in a published article, followed by a second notification once the investigation is concluded.

Retraction

In cases where potentially serious issues are identified, such as unreliable findings, plagiarism, duplicate publication, or ethical misconduct, JCMR may retract the article. Retraction serves as a mechanism to correct the scientific record and mitigate the impact of erroneous or problematic research findings. JCMR follows the guidelines set forth by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) for retracting published articles, ensuring a standardized and transparent process.

Correction notice for updated articles: In the event that an error is detected in a published article, JCMR may opt to release an updated version that meticulously documents all modifications, along with the respective date(s) of the alterations, within a correction notice appended at the conclusion of the article. Additionally, prior electronic iterations will be clearly designated as outdated, directing readers to access the most recent version for accurate and up-to-date information.

Retraction policy of JCMR

JCMR follows COPE guidelines for retracting a published article. An article will be retracted if:

• Findings are unreliable due to major errors, miscalculations, experimental errors, or fabrication/falsification of data such as image manipulation.
• The article comprises plagiarized texts.
• Findings have been previously published elsewhere without proper attribution, disclosure, permission, or justification in cases of redundant publication.
• The article contains material or data without authorization for use.
• Copyright infringement or serious legal issues such as libel or privacy are identified.
• The article reports unethical research.
• The article has been published solely on the basis of a compromised or manipulated peer-review process.
• The author(s) failed to disclose a major competing interest (conflict of interest) that, in the view of the editor, would have unduly affected interpretations of the work or recommendations by editors and peer reviewers.

Retraction process

• JCMR collaborates with the editor and author to draft a retraction notice explaining the reasons behind the retraction.
• While the retracted article’s PDF is watermarked with “Retracted,” the original text remains accessible to maintain transparency.
• A retraction notice is published in the next available print issue and online if required for legal reasons.
• Content may be removed for legal reasons, but metadata is retained to ensure the integrity of the publication record.

No fees for author

In alignment with our commitment to fairness and accessibility, authors are not required to pay any fees to the journal or publisher for publishing errata, corrigenda, addendum, or retraction notices. This ensures that the correction and retraction process remains accessible and fair to all stakeholders involved in the publication process.