Policy on Corrections, Retractions, and Expressions of Concern
This policy is based on the COPE guidelines on Retraction. Please see the COPE website for more details.
Purpose: The Sierra Leone Journal of Medicine (SLJM) is committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity in scholarly publishing. This policy outlines our procedures for handling post-publication corrections, retractions, and expressions of concern to preserve the accuracy, transparency, and integrity of the academic record.
Corrections: When errors are identified in published articles that affect the article’s scientific integrity, completeness, or reliability, SLJM will publish a correction notice as soon as possible. Corrections will be linked to the original article and will detail the changes made and their justification.
Retractions: Articles may be retracted if:
- There is clear evidence that the findings are unreliable due to misconduct or honest error.
- The findings have previously been published elsewhere without proper cross-referencing, permission, or justification.
- It constitutes plagiarism.
- It reports unethical research.
Retractions are made to correct the literature and ensure its integrity rather than to punish authors. The retraction notice will be linked to the original article and will clearly identify the reason for the retraction and who initiated it. Retracted articles will remain online but will be clearly marked as retracted in the title and the PDF.
Expressions of Concern: Expressions of concern may be issued if:
- There is inconclusive evidence of research or publication misconduct by the authors.
- There is evidence that the findings are unreliable, but the authors’ institution will not investigate the case.
- There is a reasonable, well-founded concern that an ethical issue went undeclared or unresolved.
Procedures:
- Identification of Issue: Issues that may require correction, retraction, or expression of concern can be brought to the journal’s attention by readers, authors, or editors.
- Investigation: SLJM will investigate all allegations or suspicions of misconduct or error in accordance with COPE guidelines. The investigation may involve dialogue with the corresponding author and a review by the editorial board.
- Decision and Action: Based on the investigation, the editorial board will decide whether to issue a correction, retraction, or expression of concern.
- Implementation: The correction, retraction, or expression of concern will be published in a timely manner and will be freely accessible to all readers, just like the original article.
Transparency and Fairness: SLJM ensures that all articles are treated with integrity and respect, and authors are given the opportunity to respond to any concerns before a final decision is made.
For more information on how SLJM handles post-publication issues or to report a concern, please contact our editorial office.