Corrections, Retractions & Complaints

Impact Health Publishing Group recognises that maintaining the integrity of the scholarly record requires clear, fair, and transparent mechanisms for correcting the literature and addressing concerns about published content. Errors, disputes, and allegations of misconduct are managed in a manner that prioritises accuracy, accountability, and due process.

The publisher’s approach to corrections, retractions, and complaints is aligned with internationally recognised ethical guidance, including principles promoted by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). These procedures apply across all journals published by Impact Health Publishing Group and are intended to ensure consistent handling of issues while respecting editorial independence.

Corrections to the scholarly record

Corrections may be issued where errors are identified that affect the clarity, accuracy, or integrity of a published article but do not invalidate its overall findings. Such errors may include factual inaccuracies, omissions, or errors introduced during the publication process.

Corrections are linked clearly to the original article and are published in a transparent manner that allows readers to understand the nature and scope of the change. The original article remains accessible, with appropriate notice of the correction, to preserve the integrity and traceability of the scholarly record.

Retractions and expressions of concern

Retractions are issued where published work is found to be unreliable due to serious error, research misconduct, unethical research practices, or other factors that invalidate the findings. In cases where an investigation is ongoing but concerns are sufficiently serious to warrant reader awareness, an expression of concern may be published.

Retraction notices and expressions of concern are published promptly, linked to the affected article, and clearly identify the reason for the action. Retractions are intended to correct the literature rather than to punish authors and are handled in a manner consistent with recognised ethical guidance.

Handling allegations and investigations

Allegations of research or publication misconduct may be raised by readers, reviewers, editors, or other stakeholders. All allegations are assessed carefully and handled confidentially in the first instance. Investigations are conducted in a structured and proportionate manner, with appropriate engagement of authors and, where necessary, referral to relevant institutions or regulatory bodies. The publisher recognises that responsibility for investigating misconduct often rests with institutions rather than journals and acts accordingly.

Complaints about editorial processes

Impact Health Publishing Group provides mechanisms for submitting complaints related to editorial processes, ethical concerns, or publishing practices. Complaints may relate to peer review, editorial decisions, conflicts of interest, or perceived breaches of policy. Complaints are handled objectively and respectfully, with consideration given to whether issues can be resolved at journal level or require independent review. Where appropriate, complaints may be reviewed independently of journal editorial leadership to ensure fairness and impartiality.

Complaints and appeals procedure

Impact Journals is committed to the fair, transparent, and timely handling of complaints and appeals relating to editorial processes, publication ethics, and publisher conduct. Complaints or appeals should be submitted by email to editor@impact-journals.org.

Submissions should include the article title and manuscript ID or DOI (where applicable), a clear description of the concern or grounds for appeal, any relevant supporting evidence, and the outcome or remedy sought. All complaints and appeals will be acknowledged within 5 working days, with a substantive response normally provided within 20 working days, unless additional investigation is required.

Appeals against editorial decisions are assessed on procedural and ethical grounds. Appeals do not challenge editorial judgement unless a clear procedural error, bias, or ethical concern is identified. Where feasible, appeals are reviewed by an editor not previously involved in the decision; otherwise, the matter is escalated to the publisher for independent assessment.

If a complainant is not satisfied with the outcome at journal level, the complaint may be escalated to the publisher. In cases involving conflicts of interest, editorial leadership, or serious ethical concerns, the publisher may seek advice from an independent external academic or ethics advisor. Complaints involving legal matters may require separate legal review.

Appeals and independent review

Authors may appeal editorial decisions where they believe that a procedural error, misunderstanding, or bias has affected the outcome. Appeals are considered carefully and are not upheld solely on the basis of disagreement with scholarly judgement. Where appropriate, appeals or complex complaints may be referred for independent assessment, including consultation with external academic advisors. The publisher seeks to ensure that appeals and complaints are handled in a timely and transparent manner.

Documentation and transparency

All actions relating to corrections, retractions, and complaints are documented to ensure accountability and consistency. Records are maintained in accordance with applicable data protection requirements. Outcomes of investigations that affect the scholarly record are communicated transparently through published notices, while respecting confidentiality and legal considerations where applicable.

Continuous review of procedures

Impact Health Publishing Group recognises that best practice in handling corrections, retractions, and complaints continues to evolve. Procedures are reviewed periodically to ensure alignment with current ethical guidance and emerging expectations in scholarly publishing. Lessons learned from individual cases are used to strengthen policies, editorial training, and quality assurance processes across the publishing programme.