Introduction

The Journal of Independent Medicine is committed to advancing unbiased, multi-specialty, evidence-based medical research with a focus on alternative therapies, use of repurposed drugs, as well as medical ethics and healthcare policies. This document outlines the expectations, requirements, and guidelines for reviewers of the journal.

Reviewer Responsibilities

1. Timeliness
   • Initial Response: Reviewers should acknowledge receipt of the review request within 48 hours.
   • Review Completion: Reviews should be completed within three weeks of accepting the review invitation. If additional time is needed, reviewers must promptly inform the editorial office.
2. Confidentiality
   • All manuscript details must be treated as confidential. Reviewers should not discuss the manuscript with anyone except the editorial team and should not use any information from the manuscript for personal advantage.
3. Conflict of Interest
   • Reviewers must disclose any potential conflicts of interest (financial, personal, or professional) that could affect their objectivity. If a conflict of interest is identified, reviewers should recuse themselves from the review process.
4. Objectivity and Fairness
   • Reviews should be conducted objectively, with constructive and impartial comments. Personal criticism of the author is inappropriate. Critiques should be clearly articulated and supported by evidence.
5. Ethical Considerations
   • Reviewers should identify any ethical issues in the manuscript, including potential plagiarism, data fabrication, and inappropriate research practices. Any ethical concerns should be reported to the editorial team.
6. Quality and Contribution Assessment
   • Reviewers should assess the manuscript’s originality, methodological rigor, clarity, and contribution to the field. Specific areas to evaluate include:
     • Relevance: Importance and relevance of the research question.
     • Validity: Soundness of the study design and methodology.
     • Clarity: Lucidity and coherence of the writing.
     • Contribution: Contribution to existing knowledge and practice.
     • Accuracy: Appropriateness of the data analysis and accuracy of the results.
     • References: Adequacy and appropriateness of the citations and references.

Review Process

1. Review Invitation
   • The editorial office will send a review invitation via email, including the manuscript title, abstract, and any special instructions. Reviewers should respond to accept or decline the invitation promptly.
2. Review Submission
   • Reviews should be submitted through the journal’s online submission system by the agreed deadline. Reviewers should provide both confidential comments to the editor and constructive feedback to the authors
3. Review Format
   • Reviews should be structured to include:
     • Summary: A brief summary of the manuscript.
     • Major Comments: Detailed comments on significant aspects of the manuscript.
     • Minor Comments: Suggestions for minor improvements.
     • Recommendation: A recommendation for the manuscript (e.g., accept, minor revision, major revision, reject).

Post-Review Process

1. Revisions
   • If the manuscript is recommended for revision, reviewers may be asked to evaluate the revised manuscript to ensure that all issues have been adequately addressed.
2. Feedback to Reviewers
   • Reviewers will receive feedback on the outcome of the manuscript they reviewed, including the final editorial decision and, if applicable, comments from other reviewers.

Recognition and Incentives

1. Acknowledgment
   • Reviewers’ contributions will be acknowledged annually on the journal’s website, and exemplary reviewers may be recognized with awards or certificates.
2. Professional Development
   • The journal may offer professional development resources, including training on peer review best practices and opportunities to participate in editorial board activities.

Conclusion

The Journal of Independent Medicine relies on the expertise and dedication of its reviewers to maintain the high standards of scientific publishing. By adhering to these guidelines, reviewers will help ensure the publication of rigorous, impactful research that advances the field.

For any questions or additional guidance, reviewers are encouraged to contact the editorial office directly.

Contact Information

• Editorial Office Email: [email protected]
• Journal Website: www.journalofindependentmedicine.org

Thank you for your valuable contributions to the Journal of Independent Medicine.