PeerReview Process

All manuscripts submitted to the Journal of Innovative Midwifery Practice (JOICE) undergo a rigorous double-blind peer review process to ensure the quality, integrity, and scientific contribution of published work.

Editorial Workflow

  1. Initial Editorial Screening
    Upon submission, manuscripts are first reviewed by the Editor-in-Chief to assess scope alignment, originality, and adherence to author guidelines. Manuscripts that do not meet the journal’s basic standards may be returned without review.

  2. Assignment to Section Editor
    If deemed suitable, the manuscript is forwarded to a Section Editor based on subject expertise. The Section Editor oversees the peer review process and ensures fair and timely evaluation.

  3. Double-Blind Peer Review
    The manuscript is then sent to at least two independent reviewers who are experts in the relevant field. Both the reviewers and authors remain anonymous to each other during this process (double-blind).

  4. Reviewer Evaluation
    Reviewers evaluate the manuscript based on the following criteria:

    • Originality and scientific merit

    • Relevance to midwifery practice and maternal health

    • Methodological rigor

    • Clarity and coherence of presentation

    • Ethical soundness

    Reviewers provide one of the following recommendations:

    • Accept

    • Minor Revision

    • Major Revision

    • Reject

  5. Editorial Decision
    Based on the reviewers’ reports, the Section Editor makes a recommendation to the Editor-in-Chief, who makes the final decision. Authors will be notified of the decision along with anonymous reviewer comments.

  6. Revision and Resubmission
    Authors who are invited to revise must submit a detailed response to each reviewer comment. Revised manuscripts may undergo further review depending on the extent of changes.

  7. Final Acceptance and Proofreading
    Once accepted, the manuscript proceeds to copyediting and final layout. Authors are given the opportunity to review proofs before publication.

Review Timeline

The journal strives to complete the review process within 6–8 weeks, depending on reviewer availability and complexity of the submissi