Conflicts of Interest Policy

To ensure trust and transparency of publication and the integrity of the journal's editorial practices and in alignment with the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) guidelines, this policy outlines the process of managing possible conflicts of interest (COI) for all parties involved in the publication process (authors, reviewers, editors, editorial staff, and the journal publisher/owner).

 

For Authors

The author must disclose any potential conflicts of interest, such as financial, personal, professional, and academic.

  • What to disclose: All financial and non-financial interests that could influence the work. Sources of funding for the study. Whether the funder played any role in study design, data collection, analysis, interpretation, or manuscript writing.
  • In the manuscript: A “Conflict of Interest” statement must appear before the References (e.g., “The authors declare no competing interests” or detailed disclosure).
  • Action if undisclosed COI is found: this may lead to manuscript rejection, submission ban, public notice, institutional notification, or retraction.

For Editors

The editors must not make a decision on the manuscripts that they or any close colleagues authorise.

  • What to disclose: Financial relationships with pharmaceutical, device, or other healthcare companies (within the past 36 months). Personal relationships with authors. Having co-authored or collaborated with any author (within the past 36 months). Any other interest that could be perceived as biasing editorial judgment.
  • Action: If COI is declared, the editor must assign handling of the manuscript to another editor.

For Reviewers

The reviewers should decline reviewing if there are any conflicts of interest with the authors or the authors’ institution. The reviewers must handle the manuscript confidentially (do not use any ideas, results, or knowledge while handling the manuscript for personal benefit).  Conflicts must be disclosed immediately upon invitation. Acceptance to review implies no undisclosed COI.

  • What to disclose: Any personal, financial, or professional relationship with authors. Competing manuscripts under review elsewhere. Any interest that could impair objectivity.
  • Action if undisclosed COI is found: discard review, remove from database, and possible institution notification.