Corrections and Retractions Policy

1. General Principles

Kafkasya Journal of Health Sciences (KJHS) is committed to maintaining the accuracy, reliability, and scientific integrity of its published content. Post-publication corrections and retractions are managed in a transparent, fair, and consistent manner in accordance with the journal’s ethical standards and international guidelines. All procedures adhere to the recommendations of the ICMJE (International Committee of Medical Journal Editors) and COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics).

2. Post-Publication Correction Requests

  1. Correction Request Procedure:
    • All post-publication correction requests are carefully reviewed by the Editorial Board.
    • The Board evaluates the necessity and appropriateness of the correction, considering the nature of the error, its potential impact on the article, and supporting evidence provided.
    • When needed, input may be sought from the authors, reviewers, or independent experts to support the decision.
  2. Publication of Corrections:
    • If approved, the archived version of the article is updated with the correction and clearly communicated to readers.
    • Corrections are implemented in a way that preserves the DOI and citation information.

3. Retractions

  1. Retraction Decision Process:
    • In cases of ethical misconduct or serious scientific errors, the Editorial Board evaluates the case and may issue a retraction notice.
    • The Board follows COPE flowcharts and recommendations during the review process.
    • Retraction decisions are based on the severity of the error, the reliability of research findings, and the available evidence.
  2. Whistleblower and Social Media Concerns:
    • Direct allegations submitted by whistleblowers or concerns raised on social media are addressed according to COPE guidelines.
    • If necessary, an ombudsman or independent ethics advisor may be appointed for issues that cannot be resolved internally.
  3. Institutional Collaboration and Information Sharing:
    • To investigate possible ethical violations efficiently, the Editorial Board may share relevant information with other Editors-in-Chief or institutions.
    • Where misconduct by researchers is suspected, the journal may notify the relevant institutions and provide supporting evidence in accordance with COPE guidelines.
  4. Publication and Archiving of Retractions:
    • Retraction notices are published concurrently with the article, and the article record is clearly marked as retracted.
    • DOI and indexing information are updated to reflect the retraction.
    • Retracted articles remain in the journal’s archives but are clearly labeled as retracted for all readers.

4. Transparency and Accountability

  • All correction and retraction decisions are conducted transparently.
  • Authors, reviewers, and readers are informed about the process.
  • All decisions are made in accordance with publication ethics, scientific integrity, and international standards.