Corrections Policy

Corrections Policy

Policy for Errata, Corrigenda, and Post-Publication Corrections

The Journal of Pharmacovigilance and Drug Research (JPADR) is committed to maintaining the accuracy, reliability, integrity, and transparency of the scholarly record.

Despite careful peer review, editorial evaluation, and production processes, errors may occasionally be identified after publication. This policy describes how the journal handles post-publication corrections to ensure that readers have access to accurate scientific information.

JPADR follows ethical publishing recommendations and correction practices guided by:

  • Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE)
  • International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE)
  • World Association of Medical Editors (WAME)

1. Purpose of the Corrections Policy

This policy establishes the procedures used by JPADR to manage post-publication corrections in a transparent, timely, and consistent manner.

The objectives of this policy are to:

  • Maintain the integrity of the scholarly record.
  • Correct errors transparently.
  • Inform readers of important updates.
  • Preserve trust in published research.
  • Ensure accountability in scholarly communication.

Corrections are intended to improve the accuracy of published articles without unnecessarily removing valid scientific work from the scholarly literature.

2. Types of Corrections

JPADR may publish different types of post-publication notices depending on the nature, source, and significance of the identified error.

2.1 Erratum

An erratum is issued when an error originates during the journal's editorial or production process.

Examples include:

  • Formatting errors.
  • Incorrect figure placement.
  • Production-related textual mistakes.
  • DOI or metadata inaccuracies.
  • Typesetting errors.
  • Publisher-related technical issues.

2.2 Corrigendum

A corrigendum is issued when authors identify errors within their published work after publication.

Examples include:

  • Minor data inaccuracies.
  • Corrections to author affiliations.
  • Figure labeling errors.
  • Minor methodological clarifications.
  • Typographical errors that affect interpretation.

A corrigendum will normally be issued only when the overall scientific findings and conclusions of the article remain valid.

2.3 Addendum

An addendum may be published when additional information is required to clarify or supplement a published article without altering or invalidating the original scientific findings.

Examples include:

  • Additional methodological clarification.
  • Important supplementary information.
  • Clarification of previously omitted details.

3. Errors That May Require Correction

JPADR may consider publishing a formal correction for errors that could affect the interpretation, discoverability, or accuracy of the published record.

Examples include:

  • Typographical errors affecting scientific meaning.
  • Incorrect author information.
  • Affiliation inaccuracies.
  • Errors in figures or tables.
  • Citation inaccuracies.
  • Metadata errors.
  • Minor analytical mistakes.
  • Omitted acknowledgements.
  • Funding disclosure corrections.
  • Conflict of interest updates.

Minor typographical or formatting issues that do not influence scientific interpretation or reader understanding may not require a formal correction notice.

4. Errors That May Require More Serious Editorial Action

Certain issues cannot be addressed through routine corrections and may require more significant editorial action.

Depending on the circumstances, JPADR may initiate:

  • Expressions of Concern.
  • Retraction.
  • Publication misconduct investigations.

Examples include:

  • Fabricated data.
  • Falsified results.
  • Plagiarism.
  • Duplicate publication.
  • Serious methodological flaws.
  • Research or publication ethics violations.

Such matters may be managed under the journal's:

  • Retraction Policy.
  • Misconduct Handling Workflow.
  • Appeals and Complaints Policy.

5. Who May Request a Correction

Requests for correction may originate from any individual or organization that identifies a potential error in a published article.

Correction requests may be submitted by:

  • Authors.
  • Readers.
  • Editors.
  • Peer Reviewers.
  • Academic or research institutions.
  • Indexing and abstracting agencies.

All correction requests shall be evaluated objectively, independently, and in accordance with the journal's editorial procedures.

6. How to Submit a Correction Request

Individuals requesting a correction should provide sufficient information to allow the Editorial Office to evaluate the request.

Requests should include:

  • The complete citation of the published article.
  • A clear description of the identified error.
  • The proposed correction.
  • Supporting evidence or documentation where applicable.

Correction requests should be submitted through the journal's official communication channels for editorial review.

7. Correction Evaluation Process

All correction requests received by JPADR are evaluated through a structured editorial process to ensure fairness, consistency, and transparency.

7.1 Step 1 – Receipt of Request

The Editorial Office receives and acknowledges the correction request submitted by the requester.

7.2 Step 2 – Preliminary Assessment

The editorial team conducts an initial assessment of the request to determine whether further evaluation is required.

Editors consider:

  • The nature of the reported error.
  • The potential impact of the error on scientific interpretation.
  • Whether a formal correction notice is warranted.

7.3 Step 3 – Author Consultation

Where appropriate, the corresponding author and, if necessary, co-authors may be contacted for additional information.

Authors may be requested to provide:

  • Clarification regarding the reported issue.
  • Supporting documentation.
  • Proposed revised wording or corrected material.

7.4 Step 4 – Editorial Decision

Following review of all available information, the editorial team determines the most appropriate course of action.

Possible outcomes include:

  • Publication of a formal correction notice.
  • Implementation of a minor update without a formal correction notice.
  • A determination that no correction is required.
  • Escalation of the matter for publication ethics or misconduct investigation.

7.5 Step 5 – Publication of the Correction Notice

Where a correction is approved, a formal correction notice is published and permanently linked to the original article.

8. Correction Publication Method

Correction notices are published in a transparent and standardized manner to ensure that readers can readily identify amendments to the scholarly record.

Correction notices will:

  • Be clearly labeled according to the type of correction.
  • Include complete citation details of the affected article.
  • Describe the correction accurately and transparently.
  • Be permanently linked to the original published article.

Where technically feasible:

  • Article metadata may be updated.
  • PDF versions may contain correction indicators or notices.
  • Online article webpages may display update notifications.

9. Transparency of Corrections

JPADR is committed to maintaining transparency throughout the correction process.

Correction notices should:

  • Clearly explain the nature of the correction.
  • Identify the corrected sections where appropriate.
  • Avoid misleading, ambiguous, or incomplete statements.

The journal aims to preserve both the integrity and the traceability of the scholarly record while ensuring that readers can distinguish between the original publication and subsequent amendments.

10. Metadata and DOI Updates

Where appropriate, publication corrections may involve updates to article metadata and associated indexing records.

Corrections may include updates to:

  • Digital Object Identifier (DOI) metadata.
  • Author information.
  • Indexing records.
  • Abstracting services.
  • Citation databases.

JPADR aims to ensure consistency between corrected articles, DOI metadata, indexing services, and other bibliographic records whenever technically feasible.

11. Timing of Corrections

JPADR endeavors to process valid correction requests as promptly as possible while ensuring appropriate editorial review.

Processing times may vary depending upon:

  • The complexity of the reported issue.
  • The need for verification or additional documentation.
  • The responsiveness of the authors or other involved parties.
  • The extent of editorial assessment required.

Correction requests involving matters that may affect public health, patient safety, or the reliability of scientific findings may receive expedited editorial consideration.

12. Reader Notification

JPADR aims to ensure that readers can readily identify articles that have been corrected after publication.

Readers may be informed of corrections through:

  • Published correction notices.
  • Updates displayed on the article webpage.
  • Revised article metadata.
  • Crossmark or comparable article update systems, where applicable.

These measures are intended to promote transparency and enable readers to access the most accurate and current version of the published scholarly record.

13. Author Responsibilities

Authors share responsibility for maintaining the accuracy and integrity of the scholarly record after publication.

Authors are expected to:

  • Carefully review article proofs before publication.
  • Notify the journal promptly upon discovering significant errors in published work.
  • Cooperate fully with the Editorial Office during the evaluation of correction requests.

Failure to disclose significant post-publication errors or to cooperate with legitimate editorial inquiries may constitute a breach of publication ethics and may result in further editorial action in accordance with the journal's ethical policies.

14. Editorial Authority

The Editor-in-Chief and the Editorial Team retain final authority regarding all decisions related to post-publication corrections.

Editorial authority includes determining:

  • Whether a correction is necessary.
  • The appropriate type of correction to be issued.
  • The wording and format of correction notices.
  • Whether additional editorial or ethical action is required.

Where appropriate, the journal may seek advice from independent experts, members of the Editorial Board, or external specialists before making a final decision.

15. Appeals Regarding Corrections

Authors, readers, or other stakeholders who disagree with an editorial decision relating to a correction may submit an appeal in accordance with the journal's Appeals and Complaints Policy.

Appeals should include:

  • A clear scientific justification.
  • Relevant supporting evidence or documentation.
  • Professional and respectful communication.

All appeals shall be reviewed objectively and independently in accordance with the journal's established editorial procedures.

16. Commitment to Research Integrity

JPADR is committed to maintaining the highest standards of research integrity and responsible scholarly publishing.

The journal is dedicated to:

  • Accurate scholarly communication.
  • Responsible post-publication correction practices.
  • Transparency in editorial updates and amendments.
  • Ethical editorial decision-making.
  • Protection of the integrity of the scientific record.

The journal recognizes that timely, transparent, and appropriately documented corrections are essential for maintaining public confidence in scientific research, preserving publication integrity, and ensuring that readers have access to accurate and reliable scholarly information.

References

  1. Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). Retraction and Correction Guidelines.
  2. International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE). Recommendations for Corrections, Retractions, Republications, and Version Control.
  3. World Association of Medical Editors (WAME). Best Practices for Post-Publication Corrections and Editorial Responsibility.

Policy Review

This policy is reviewed periodically by the Editorial Board to ensure alignment with international publication ethics, scholarly publishing standards, and current best practices.

The latest version of this policy is available on the official JPADR website.