The Journal of Integrated Medical Sciences & Research (JIMSR) employs a rigorous double-blind peer-review process to ensure the scientific quality, validity, originality, and integrity of all published research. Under this model, the identities of both authors and reviewers remain confidential throughout the review process.
The Peer Review Process
- Initial Editorial Screening: All submitted manuscripts undergo an initial assessment by the editorial office and Editor-in-Chief to determine:
- Relevance to the journal’s aims and scope
- Originality and scientific merit
- Compliance with ethical standards
- Adherence to the Instructions for Authors
- Completeness of submission requirements
- Manuscripts may also be screened using plagiarism-detection software.
- Assignment to Reviewers: Manuscripts that pass the initial screening are assigned to at least two independent reviewers with relevant subject-matter expertise. Reviewers are selected based on their academic qualifications, research experience, and absence of conflicts of interest.
- Peer Review Evaluation: Reviewers evaluate manuscripts based on:
- Originality and significance of the research
- Scientific and methodological rigor
- Ethical compliance
- Accuracy of data interpretation and conclusions
- Clarity of presentation and organization
- Relevance and contribution to the field
- Editorial Decision: Based on reviewer reports and editorial assessment, one of the following decisions may be made:
- Accept
- Accept with Minor Revisions
- Major Revisions Required
- Reject
- Revision and Final Decision: Authors receiving revision requests should submit a revised manuscript along with a point-by-point response to reviewer comments within the specified timeframe. Revised manuscripts may be returned to the original reviewers for further evaluation before a final decision is reached.
Reviewer Selection and Confidentiality
Reviewers are selected solely on the basis of their expertise, experience, and ability to provide an objective assessment. Individuals with actual or potential conflicts of interest are not invited to review manuscripts.
All manuscripts and associated review materials are confidential documents. Reviewers must not share, distribute, or use unpublished material for personal, academic, or commercial advantage.
Timeline
JIMSR strives to complete the first round of peer review within 4–6 weeks of submission. However, review times may vary depending on reviewer availability and the complexity of the manuscript. Authors are kept informed of the status of their submissions throughout the review process.
Integrity and Ethical Safeguards
Editorial decisions are made independently and are not influenced by commercial, financial, institutional, or personal considerations. If concerns arise regarding research ethics, publication misconduct, plagiarism, data fabrication, image manipulation, or authorship disputes, the journal may seek additional review and take appropriate action in accordance with internationally recognized publication ethics guidelines.
The Editor-in-Chief holds final responsibility for all editorial decisions regarding manuscript acceptance, revision, or rejection.
JIMSR follows the Principles of Transparency and Best Practice in Scholarly Publishing issued by COPE, DOAJ, WAME, and OASPA.