Stages of the peer review process
1. Submission of the article
The author submits the article via the journal’s online system after logging into the platform. The text should be prepared in accordance with the guidelines for authors and include all required elements (title, abstract, keywords, bibliography, author’s affiliation).
2. Initial editorial assessment
The editor-in-chief or a designated subject editor carries out an initial assessment of the article. At this stage, the following is checked:
– whether the text falls within the journal’s subject scope;
– whether it meets basic scientific and formal requirements;
– whether it contains any obvious methodological shortcomings.
Articles that do not meet the basic requirements may be rejected at this stage.
3. Submission of the article for review
Articles that meet the editorial requirements are sent to two independent reviewers specialising in the subject area.
4. The peer review process
Reviewers assess the article, taking into account, amongst other things:
– the scientific merit of the article;
– methodological soundness;
– the originality of the analysis;
– its significance for research into the humanistic aspects of medicine.
Reviewers may recommend:
– acceptance of the article for publication;
– acceptance of the article subject to revisions;
– rejection of the article.
Reviews are submitted in writing and include a recommendation regarding the publication of the article. The editorial team aims to complete the review process within 12–20 weeks.
5. Editorial decision
Based on the reviewers’ opinions, the editorial board decides on:
– acceptance of the article for publication;
– the need for revisions;
– rejection of the article.
The author receives the reviews and notification of the editorial decision.
6. Author revisions
If the article requires revisions, the author prepares a revised version of the text in accordance with the comments from the reviewers and the editorial team. The revised article may be re-evaluated by the reviewers.
7. Linguistic and technical editing
Once the article has been accepted for publication, the text undergoes linguistic and technical editing. At this stage, the following are checked:
– linguistic accuracy;
– compliance with citation and bibliography guidelines;
– text formatting.
8. Authorisation of the text
The author receives the final version of the article for authorisation prior to publication.
- Publication of the article
The article is published in the next issue of the journal in electronic form.