Steps to Follow in the peer Review Process for Health Science Journals
The peer review process involves submissions, selection of reviewers, evaluations, editor’s comments, potential revisions/resubmissions, and a final evaluation.
Peer review processes help enhance the accuracy and integrity of research published in health science journals. The peer review process is an essential part of all research articles that should contain valid information about scientific studies.
Peer reviews help promote advancement of knowledge in health sciences and build on existing information. Several steps are in the peer review process and authors must complete every requirement to see their article(s) published in a health science journal.
It is easier to get your research over a peer review process with access to essential information.
That’s why this guide provides information about the main steps to follow to published peer-reviewed articles in a health science journals. You will also get vital tips about how to ensure your first peer review process is a resounding success. Take advantage of all the information in this guide to get your research published with accurate information in line with best practices.
Steps in the Peer Review Process for Health Science Journals
Step 1: Submission
The peer review process begins immediately after an author submits an article for review. Journal editors will conduct a preliminary assessment of the article and usually consider these points:
- article’s adherence to submission guidelines,
- research adherence to ethics in collecting, presenting, and analyzing information,
- article’s suitability for the health science journal in particular
Authors usually get a reply after the internal assessment of their article. Journals will reject articles that fail to meet all three points above pending further reviews by the author. All articles that satisfy all the requirements of an internal assessment go to the next phase – reviewer selection.
Step 2: Selection of reviewers
Journals will choose reviewers to assess the submitted health science article. Health science journals are wholly responsible for reviewer selection and choose experts with vast experience in health sciences for such an exercise. Peer reviewers chosen by health science journals help ensure accuracy and unbiasedness in submitted articles.
Journals will have to ensure no conflicts of interest among reviewers and match experienced hands for the peer review process. Reviewers usually have to carry out their duties without knowing the author personally and should conduct all checks impartially.
Step 3: Evaluation of article
The next step involves assessment of a submitted health science article by external reviewers. Peer reviewers will have to inspect the article’s presentation of literary information and methodology. A peer review process also involves assessing the results and discussion section of a health science article.
Peer reviews may also include an assessment of the contribution a health science article makes to improve existing knowledge. Reviewers will also consider adherence to ethics, validity, and scientific rigor of articles at this stage.
Step 4: Journal’s comments and author’s response
Peer reviewers will compile their feedback and present it to the journal after full assessment of a health science article. The journal editor is then responsible for final decisions about the submitted article. Journal editors may request revisions to the article or reject it outright based on recommendations from external reviewers.
Authors are expected to reply the journal editor and address comments of external reviewers at this stage.
Step 5: Revision (if necessary) and resubmission
Authors must make changes to the article if requested by the journal editor at this stage. Reviewers usually provide information about sections where minor or major changes are necessary in an article. All changes should fix issues outlined in reviewers’ comments before an author can send revised articles to the journal for further review.
Step 6: Final evaluation
A journal editor may conduct the final evaluation or request the input of experts responsible for the first assessment. The journal editor will confirm whether an article is ready for production and publication at this stage. Journal editors may also carry out checks to confirm formatting, proofreading, editing, etc. are in line with production standards.
An author will receive a message confirming the successful peer review and approval of research for publication at this stage.
Step 7: Production and publication
The production stage ensures a peer-reviewed article is ready for public viewing. Internal editors will prepare the article and all its elements to meet set standards before listing it for publication in the next journal release.
Article authors usually do not have any input to make at this stage.
How to Ensure a Successful Peer Review Process for Your Health Science Article
Authors can increase chances of a successful peer review process with the following steps:
- Choose the right journal that aligns with your research topic and objectives,
- Prepare your manuscript in line with journal guidelines,
- Consider ethics while putting your research together,
- Respond to reviewer comments early,
- Revise your manuscript and make necessary changes,
- Meet deadlines,
- Maintain professionalism while responding to reviewers’ comments, and
- Seek feedback
How Can You Learn from a Peer Review Process?
It is easier to learn from a peer review process when you get every detail on record. You can document the peer review process throughout all steps to see where improvements are required. Peer reviews are usually strict and may produce an unexpected outcome; however, learning from the entire process is a smart way to prepare for future research.
Documenting the entire peer review process also gives you access to build skills and improve how you put your research together. Learning from a successful or unsuccessful peer review process is a smart way to improve your knowledge about publishing accurate articles in health science journals.
Final Word
Completing the peer review process ensures the accuracy of research published in health science journals. Researchers and journals can collaborate to produce reliable information for publishing through a rigorous peer review process.
Professionalism is important from researchers looking to see their articles through a stringent peer review process. Ensure you comply with all rules and work professionally with peer review editors responsible for vetting your journal.
Displaying your professional approach to the peer review process grants you an easier path to get your article published in a health science journal.