Retraction, Correction, Expression of Concern, and Article Withdrawal Policy

Retraction, Correction, Expression of Concern, and Article Withdrawal Policy

Post-Publication Corrections and Scholarly Record Integrity Policy

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

JPADR recognizes that errors, ethical concerns, or research misconduct may occasionally be identified after publication. The journal has established structured procedures for handling post-publication issues in accordance with internationally recognized publication ethics standards.

The journal may issue the following post-publication actions where appropriate:

  • Corrections
  • Retractions
  • Expressions of Concern
  • Article Withdrawals
  • Metadata Updates

JPADR follows ethical guidance and best practices recommended by:

  • Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE)
  • International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE)
  • World Association of Medical Editors (WAME)
Commitment to the Scholarly Record

JPADR is committed to correcting the scientific literature responsibly, ensuring that readers have access to accurate information while preserving transparency regarding the publication history of scholarly work.

1. Purpose of This Policy

This policy establishes procedures for managing post-publication issues in a transparent, fair, and ethically responsible manner.

The policy aims to:

  • Preserve the integrity of the scientific record.
  • Ensure transparency in post-publication actions.
  • Correct inaccurate or misleading information.
  • Inform readers about significant concerns affecting published work.
  • Provide fair procedures for editorial investigations.
  • Maintain internationally recognized standards of publication ethics.

The journal recognizes that responsible post-publication management is essential for maintaining scientific credibility, protecting readers, and supporting trustworthy scholarly communication.

2. Types of Post-Publication Actions

Depending upon the nature and severity of identified concerns, JPADR may implement one or more post-publication editorial actions.

These actions include:

  • Correction (Erratum or Corrigendum)
  • Retraction
  • Expression of Concern
  • Article Withdrawal
  • Metadata Correction

Each editorial action serves a distinct purpose and is selected according to the available evidence, the seriousness of the issue, and the potential impact on the scientific record.

Editorial actions are intended to improve the accuracy and transparency of published literature rather than to punish authors. Decisions are based on evidence, ethical principles, and applicable publication standards.

3. Correction Policy

Purpose of Corrections

Corrections are published when errors are identified that affect the accuracy or clarity of an article but do not invalidate its principal scientific findings or conclusions.

Corrections may be issued when:

  • Minor errors are identified.
  • Scientific conclusions remain valid.
  • Readers require clarification.
  • Typographical or production errors affect interpretation.

Corrections improve the accuracy of the published record while preserving the validity of the underlying research.

Types of Corrections

A. Erratum

An Erratum is issued when errors originate during the journal's editorial or production process, including:

  • Journal production.
  • Typesetting.
  • Editorial processing.
  • Publisher formatting.

B. Corrigendum

A Corrigendum is issued when authors identify errors after publication that do not materially alter the validity of the study.

Examples include:

  • Data presentation errors.
  • Author information corrections.
  • Figure or table revisions.
  • Minor methodological descriptions.

Such corrections are appropriate only when the overall scientific conclusions remain unaffected.

10. Who Investigates Ethical Concerns

Investigations into alleged research or publication misconduct are conducted in a fair, impartial, confidential, and evidence-based manner. Depending on the nature and severity of the concern, investigations may involve one or more qualified individuals or bodies.

Investigations may involve:

  • Editor-in-Chief
  • Handling Editors
  • Editorial Ethics Committee
  • Independent subject experts
  • Institutional authorities
  • Regulatory bodies where applicable
Collaborative Investigations: Where appropriate, JPADR may cooperate with authors' institutions, ethics committees, funding agencies, or regulatory authorities during investigations while preserving editorial independence.

11. Author Notification and Right to Respond

JPADR believes that authors should normally be given a fair opportunity to respond before editorial action is taken.

Authors are generally:

Notified regarding ethical concerns.
Given an opportunity to provide explanations.
Allowed to submit supporting documentation.
Permitted to clarify or correct factual inaccuracies where appropriate.
Editorial Authority: The journal reserves the right to proceed with appropriate editorial action when:
  • Public safety may be affected.
  • Evidence of misconduct is compelling.
  • Immediate action is necessary to protect the scholarly record.

12. Transparency and Confidentiality

Throughout misconduct investigations, JPADR seeks to balance transparency, fairness, confidentiality, and protection of all parties involved.

Transparency

  • Readers are informed of validated post-publication actions.
  • Correction and retraction notices are clearly published.
  • Editorial decisions are documented appropriately.
  • Publication status changes remain permanently linked to articles.

Confidentiality

  • Investigations are handled confidentially whenever appropriate.
  • Reviewer identities remain protected.
  • Whistleblower identities are safeguarded where possible.
  • Confidential information is disclosed only when ethically or legally required.

13. Appeals Process

Authors who disagree with post-publication editorial decisions may submit a formal appeal. Appeals are evaluated fairly, independently, and on the basis of supporting evidence.

Authors may submit:

A written explanation of the appeal.
Supporting scientific or documentary evidence.
Clarification regarding disputed findings or editorial concerns.
 
Step 1

Receipt of the formal appeal and supporting documentation.

 
Step 2

Independent editorial assessment of the submitted evidence.

 
Step 3

Additional expert consultation may be obtained where appropriate.

 
Step 4

The final editorial decision following appeal review will be communicated formally to the appellant.

Final Decision: Appeals are considered objectively and independently. The final decision of the Editor-in-Chief following completion of the appeal process shall normally be considered final.

14. Preservation of the Scholarly Record

JPADR is committed to preserving the integrity, transparency, and historical accuracy of the scientific literature. Post-publication editorial actions are intended to improve the reliability of the scholarly record rather than erase publication history.

Except in rare legal or public safety circumstances:

  • Published articles are not permanently removed from the journal archive.
  • Retraction notices remain permanently accessible.
  • Correction notices remain linked to the original publication.
  • Expressions of Concern remain available until investigations conclude.
  • Readers are clearly informed regarding the publication status of affected articles.
Scholarly Integrity: Maintaining a transparent publication history supports accountability, reproducibility, responsible scholarship, and confidence in the scientific record.

15. Commitment to Publication Integrity

The Journal of Pharmacovigilance and Drug Research remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of publication ethics, editorial responsibility, and scientific integrity throughout the publication lifecycle.

JPADR is committed to:

  • Ethical scholarly publishing
  • Responsible correction of the scientific literature
  • Transparent editorial practices
  • Fair and evidence-based misconduct investigations
  • Protection of the scientific record
  • Research integrity and accountability
  • Continuous improvement of editorial procedures
  • Responsible scholarly communication

JPADR recognizes that transparent post-publication editorial actions are fundamental to maintaining public trust, preserving scientific credibility, and supporting responsible scholarly communication worldwide.

References

  1. Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). Retraction Guidelines, Core Practices, and COPE Flowcharts.
  2. International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE). Recommendations for the Conduct, Reporting, Editing, and Publication of Scholarly Work in Medical Journals.
  3. World Association of Medical Editors (WAME). Publication Ethics Policies and Best Practices for Post-Publication Editorial Actions.