Peer Review Policy
Overview
The International Journal of Clinical Anesthesia and Research (IJCAR) employs a double-blind peer review process to ensure fairness, objectivity, and the highest scientific standards. Both authors and reviewers remain anonymous throughout the review process.
“Every manuscript in IJCAR undergoes a transparent, unbiased, and confidential review process led by domain experts.”
Objectives of the Peer Review Process
- Maintain academic quality and validity of research publications.
- Ensure originality, methodological soundness, and ethical compliance.
- Provide constructive feedback to authors to improve scientific value.
- Safeguard against plagiarism, bias, and research misconduct.
Types of Peer Review
- Double-Blind Review: Identities of both authors and reviewers are concealed.
- Post-Publication Review (optional): Readers may submit comments or critiques after publication to enhance transparency and dialogue.
Key Policy: IJCAR strictly enforces double-blind peer review for all research submissions, ensuring objective and confidential evaluation.
Peer Review Workflow
| Stage | Description | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Screening | Editorial staff checks submission for scope, originality, and formatting compliance. | Managing Editor |
| Similarity Check | Plagiarism screening via iThenticate or Turnitin. | Editorial Office |
| Assignment to Reviewers | Editor-in-Chief assigns manuscript to at least two independent reviewers. | Section/Handling Editor |
| Peer Review | Reviewers evaluate manuscript on originality, relevance, methods, and ethical conduct. | Independent Reviewers |
| Editorial Decision | Editor-in-Chief makes final decision based on reviewer reports and recommendations. | Editor-in-Chief |
| Revision Process | Authors revise manuscript addressing reviewer comments. | Authors |
| Final Decision | Acceptance, rejection, or further revision communicated to authors. | Editorial Board |
Reviewer Selection
- Reviewers are selected based on subject expertise, publication record, and ethical conduct.
- Each manuscript is reviewed by at least two qualified independent reviewers.
- Reviewers must not have any conflict of interest with the authors or their institutions.
Review Timelines
The standard review period is 2–4 weeks. Authors may be asked for revisions within 15 days after receiving reviewer comments. Final acceptance depends on satisfactory revisions and editor approval.
Reviewer Guidelines
- Provide objective, evidence-based, and constructive evaluations.
- Maintain confidentiality of the manuscript and associated data.
- Avoid personal criticism or bias in feedback.
- Declare any potential conflicts of interest immediately.
- Refrain from using unpublished data for personal benefit.
Editorial Decision Categories
| Decision Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Accept | Manuscript accepted for publication with no or minor revisions. |
| Minor Revision | Authors required to address specific reviewer comments. |
| Major Revision | Significant revisions required before reconsideration. |
| Reject | Manuscript deemed unsuitable for publication in current form. |
Confidentiality and Ethics
- All manuscripts are treated as confidential documents.
- Editors and reviewers must not share or discuss content with third parties.
- Unethical practices such as coercive citation, manipulation, or bias are prohibited.
Appeals and Disputes
Authors who disagree with editorial decisions may file an appeal within 30 days of notification. Appeals are reviewed by an independent editorial board member not involved in the initial decision.
Ethical Oversight
IJCAR’s peer review practices adhere to the ethical standards set by: