Appeals and Complaints Policy
The fair, constructive, and transparent handling of appeals and complaints is essential for maintaining the credibility of scholarly publishing. Forbes Journal of Medicine upholds these principles as a fundamental component of all editorial processes. All appeals and complaints are managed in accordance with the guidelines of COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics) and are handled confidentially by the journal’s editorial office.
Scope
• Appeals: Authors may submit an appeal if they believe that a significant error occurred during the editorial or peer-review process. Appeals must be based on concrete scientific or procedural concerns, not on dissatisfaction with the outcome alone.
• Complaints: Complaints may relate to editorial conduct, procedural inconsistencies, ethical concerns, or perceived breaches of fairness during the publication process.
Submission Process
• Appeals and complaints must be submitted in writing to the editorial office of the journal to which the manu was submitted.
• Submissions must be sent to the official contact address published on the journal’s website.
• The following information must be included in the submission:
– Manuscript title and system reference number
– A clear description of the issue and the basis for the appeal or complaint
– Any previous correspondence or supporting documents, if applicable
Review and Response
• The editorial office will acknowledge receipt of the submission in writing within seven business days.
• The case will be reviewed by the relevant editorial board members; external expert opinion may be sought when necessary, and COPE guidelines will serve as the primary reference.
• A final decision will be communicated in writing within thirty days of receipt of the submission.
• If unforeseen circumstances delay the process, the author will be informed about the delay and provided with an estimated timeline for completion.
Confidentiality
All appeals and complaints are evaluated under strict confidentiality. Information and documents obtained during the process are shared only with individuals directly responsible for assessment and resolution.
Forbes Journal of Medicine is committed to ensuring that all scholarly content is evaluated in an ethical, transparent, and fair environment. The journal regards the careful and diligent handling of appeals and complaints as an essential element of research integrity and responsible editorial practice.