Editorial Policy

Journal of Innovative Midwifery Practice (JOICE) is dedicated to upholding the highest editorial standards to ensure the integrity, scientific merit, and relevance of every published manuscript. Our editorial policy is guided by ethical principles, transparency, and rigorous peer review in line with the COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics) guidelines.

1. Editorial Independence

The editorial decision-making process is entirely independent and free from influence by sponsors, advertisers, or authors. All decisions are based solely on the manuscript’s scholarly merit, originality, relevance to the journal’s scope, and adherence to ethical standards.

2. Manuscript Handling and Workflow

  • Initial Screening: All submitted manuscripts are reviewed by the Editor-in-Chief to assess relevance, formatting, and plagiarism.

  • Editorial Assignment: Manuscripts that pass the initial screening are assigned to a Section Editor with subject expertise.

  • Peer Review: Manuscripts undergo double-blind peer review by at least two qualified reviewers.

  • Final Decision: The Editor-in-Chief makes the final decision (accept, revise, or reject) based on reviewer feedback and Section Editor recommendations.

3. Editorial Confidentiality

All editorial staff and reviewers are required to maintain strict confidentiality regarding submitted manuscripts and must not use the content for personal advantage.

4. Appeals and Complaints

Authors may appeal editorial decisions or file complaints regarding the editorial process by submitting a formal written request to the Editor-in-Chief. All appeals will be reviewed objectively and independently by an editorial advisory board when necessary.

5. Conflict of Interest

All editors, reviewers, and authors must disclose any potential conflicts of interest. Editors who have a conflict of interest with a manuscript will recuse themselves from the editorial process.

6. Handling of Misconduct

JOICE takes allegations of misconduct seriously, including plagiarism, data fabrication, duplicate submission, and unethical research practices. Suspected cases will be investigated according to COPE procedures, and appropriate corrective actions will be taken, including retraction if necessary.

7. Editorial Board Responsibilities

Members of the editorial board are selected based on academic expertise, experience in publishing, and commitment to midwifery and maternal health research. They provide strategic input, contribute to peer review, and uphold the quality of the journal.