Peer Review Policy
JAPCH implements a rigorous double-blind peer review system in accordance with COPE, ICMJE, and WAME ethical standards.
Purpose of Peer Review
The peer review process is central to maintaining the scientific quality and credibility of the Journal of Advanced Pediatrics and Child Health (JAPCH). It ensures that published research is accurate, ethical, and relevant to the pediatric and child health community. Peer review enhances manuscript quality through constructive feedback and independent evaluation by experts in the field.
Type of Peer Review
JAPCH follows a double-blind peer review process, ensuring that both reviewers and authors remain anonymous to each other. This policy eliminates bias and promotes objective assessment of research quality.
Steps in the Peer Review Process
- Submission Check: The editorial office screens manuscripts for formatting, ethical compliance, and plagiarism.
- Initial Editorial Assessment: The Editor-in-Chief evaluates the manuscript’s relevance and scientific soundness before forwarding it for external review.
- Reviewer Selection: Qualified reviewers with expertise in the subject area are invited based on their publication record and absence of conflict of interest.
- Review Process: Reviewers critically assess the manuscript’s methodology, originality, ethical adherence, and clinical relevance.
- Editorial Decision: Based on reviewer feedback, the editor may recommend acceptance, revision, or rejection.
- Author Revision: Authors address all reviewer comments and resubmit the revised manuscript for final consideration.
- Final Decision: The Editor-in-Chief makes the final publication decision after re-evaluating revisions.
Reviewer Guidelines
Reviewers are selected for their scholarly expertise and ethical conduct. They are expected to:
- Evaluate manuscripts objectively and confidentially.
- Provide clear, evidence-based, and constructive feedback.
- Avoid reviewing manuscripts with potential conflicts of interest.
- Report suspected ethical misconduct or plagiarism to the editor.
Evaluation Criteria
Manuscripts are evaluated on the following key parameters:
| Criterion | Description |
|---|---|
| Originality | Contribution to existing knowledge in pediatrics. |
| Scientific Rigor | Soundness of methodology and data interpretation. |
| Relevance | Clinical or public health significance. |
| Clarity | Organization, structure, and readability. |
| Ethical Standards | Compliance with research and publication ethics. |
Reviewer Anonymity and Confidentiality
Reviewers’ identities are kept strictly confidential. Manuscripts under review must not be discussed, shared, or used for personal research. All communications are handled exclusively through the editorial system.
Editorial Decision Categories
- Accept: The manuscript is accepted with minor or no revisions.
- Revisions Required: Authors must revise based on reviewer feedback before reconsideration.
- Reject: The manuscript fails to meet the scientific or ethical standards required for publication.
Turnaround Time
JAPCH strives for efficiency in peer review while maintaining quality. The average time from submission to first decision is approximately 21–28 days. Revised manuscripts are typically reviewed within two weeks of resubmission.
Ethical and Transparent Review
JAPCH upholds transparency in peer review while maintaining anonymity. Reviewers’ comments, editorial decisions, and revision history are documented in the editorial system for accountability. Any breach of confidentiality or unethical behavior results in immediate removal from the reviewer database.
Post-Publication Review
The journal welcomes post-publication comments and discussions through letters to the editor. If valid concerns are raised, the editorial team may initiate corrections or retractions following COPE procedures.
Conflict of Interest in Peer Review
Reviewers must decline review invitations if they have direct competition, collaboration, or any financial interest related to the authors or topic under consideration. Editors ensure transparency and assign alternate reviewers where conflicts arise.
Reviewer Recognition
JAPCH acknowledges the contribution of reviewers through annual reviewer certificates and listing of their names (with consent) in the journal’s “Acknowledgment to Reviewers” section.
Complaint and Appeal Process
Authors may appeal editorial decisions by submitting a written request with detailed justification. Appeals are handled independently by a senior editor or ethics panel to ensure unbiased resolution.
Confidentiality and Data Protection
All submissions, reviews, and editorial communications are managed through secure systems compliant with GDPR and COPE data handling guidelines. Reviewer reports are stored confidentially and not shared beyond the editorial board.
Contact Information
For peer review inquiries, please contact:
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.pediatricshealthjournal.com