Purpose
SDN Review is committed to accuracy, transparency, and integrity in medical education reporting. When errors are identified in our content, we act promptly to correct them in a way that preserves the scholarly record and maintains reader trust. Our corrections and retractions policy follows the principles set forth by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).
Minor Errors
- Definition: Typographical mistakes, formatting inconsistencies, or minor language edits that do not alter the scientific or educational meaning of the article.
- Action: Corrected silently in the online version. A formal notice is not required.
Substantive Errors
- Definition: Errors that may affect the understanding, interpretation, or credibility of the article but do not invalidate its overall conclusions.
- Action: A Correction Notice is issued.
- The notice is clearly labeled “Correction,” dated, and linked to the original article.
- The corrected article remains available, with the correction notice serving as part of the permanent record.
Retractions
- Definition: Published work that is found to be unreliable due to misconduct (e.g., plagiarism, data fabrication, unethical practices) or honest error that invalidates the findings.
- Action: A Retraction Notice is issued.
- Retractions are clearly identified, dated, and linked to the original article.
- The original article remains accessible but is watermarked “Retracted” to preserve the scholarly record.
- Retractions are reserved for cases where corrections are insufficient.
Editorial Expressions of Concern
- Definition: Situations where a serious issue has been raised, but there is insufficient evidence to warrant a correction or retraction (e.g., ongoing investigation).
- Action: An Expression of Concern may be published, linked to the article, and updated once an outcome is reached.
Responsibility for Reporting Errors
- Authors: Must promptly inform the editorial office if they discover an error in their published work.
- Readers and Reviewers: Are encouraged to notify the editorial team if they identify potential errors.
- Editors: Are responsible for investigating all concerns in line with COPE flowcharts and recommendations.
Transparency and Permanence
- All corrections, retractions, and editorial notices remain part of the permanent scholarly record.
- Notices include the reason for the change and who initiated it (author, editor, reader, or third party).
- Dates of correction or retraction are clearly indicated.
- Learn more by reviewing our Actionable Feedback Policy
Contact
To report an error or concern, please contact the editorial team at [email protected]. All reports are handled confidentially and in accordance with COPE guidelines.