Complaints & Appeals Policy
Health Frontiers: Multidisciplinary Journal for Health Professionals is committed to fairness, transparency, and accountability in all editorial and publishing processes. This policy, developed in strict accordance with the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) Guidelines, provides a clear, structured mechanism for authors, reviewers, readers, and third parties to raise concerns or appeal editorial decisions. We treat all complaints and appeals with the utmost seriousness, confidentiality, and impartiality.
1. Appeals Against Editorial Decisions
Authors who disagree with an editorial decision (particularly rejection after peer review) may submit a formal appeal. To ensure the efficient use of editorial resources, appeals are evaluated based on the following criteria:
Valid Grounds: Appeals are considered only if there is clear, documented evidence of a factual error by the reviewers/editor, a significant procedural irregularity, or demonstrable reviewer bias. Mere disagreement with the reviewers' scientific opinion or the editor's final judgment is not sufficient grounds for an appeal.
Timeline: Appeals must be submitted in writing within 14 calendar days of the date of the editorial decision email.
Required Format: The appeal must be addressed to the Editor-in-Chief and include a concise, point-by-point rebuttal of the specific reviewer comments in question, accompanied by robust supporting evidence or references.
Final Decision: The appeal will be independently reviewed by the Editor-in-Chief or a designated senior member of the Editorial Board who was not involved in the original decision. Their decision is final and binding.
2. Scope of Complaints
Any author, reviewer, reader, or third party may raise a formal complaint regarding:
Research Misconduct: Allegations of plagiarism, data fabrication, falsification, image manipulation, or severe ethical violations (e.g., lack of IRB approval).
Editorial or Peer-Review Process: Concerns about undue delays, breach of confidentiality, or unprofessional conduct by editors, reviewers, or journal staff.
Post-Publication Issues: Concerns regarding the accuracy of the published record that may warrant a Correction, Expression of Concern, or Retraction.
3. Complaint Handling Process
All complaints are handled systematically, adhering to the relevant COPE Flowcharts. The process typically involves three stages:
Stage 1: Acknowledgment & Triage
The Editor-in-Chief or Managing Editor acknowledges receipt of the complaint within 5 working days. A preliminary assessment is conducted to determine if the complaint falls within the journal's scope and warrants a formal investigation.
Stage 2: Formal Investigation
If warranted, a confidential investigation is initiated. This may involve gathering evidence, requesting responses from the accused parties (e.g., authors or reviewers), and consulting with independent subject-matter experts or the publisher.
Stage 3: Resolution & Action
A formal written decision is communicated to the complainant, typically within 30 working days of the initial acknowledgment. Actions may range from a formal clarification to manuscript rejection, correction, or retraction, as per COPE guidelines.
4. Confidentiality and Good Faith
Health Frontiers strictly protects the identity of complainants and whistleblowers to the extent possible under the law and COPE guidelines. We encourage all parties to raise concerns in good faith. Frivolous, malicious, or vexatious complaints intended to harass authors or editorial staff will not be tolerated and may result in the complainant being barred from future interactions with the journal.
5. Escalation
If the complainant is not satisfied with the journal's internal resolution, the matter may be escalated to the Publisher (Tarqabin Nusantara Group). In cases of severe, unresolved research misconduct, the journal reserves the right to refer the case directly to the authors' affiliated institutions, funding bodies, or COPE for independent adjudication.
Submit an Appeal or Complaint
To initiate this process, please contact the Editorial Office directly. All communications will be treated with strict confidentiality.
Contact the Editor-in-ChiefPlease use the subject line: "Formal Appeal" or "Formal Complaint" followed by the Manuscript ID (if applicable).
