Publication Ethics, Authorship, and Competing Interests

EHI follows recognised principles of publication ethics, including guidance from COPE and the ICMJE Recommendations. Allegations are assessed fairly, confidentially, and on the basis of available evidence.

Editorial duties

Editors evaluate manuscripts without discrimination, protect confidentiality, disclose conflicts, recuse themselves when necessary, select qualified independent reviewers, and document evidence-based decisions. Submissions involving editors or close associates are handled by a non-conflicted editor.

Reviewer duties

Reviewers must provide objective and timely reports, preserve confidentiality, identify relevant conflicts, avoid using privileged information, and alert editors to possible duplication, plagiarism, or ethical concerns.

Author duties

Authors are responsible for originality, accurate reporting, appropriate citations, ethical approval, informed consent where applicable, data integrity, authorship eligibility, funding and competing-interest disclosure, and prompt correction of material errors.

Authorship

Authorship is limited to contributors who made substantial scholarly contributions, participated in drafting or critical revision, approved the final version, and accept accountability. Contributors who do not qualify for authorship should be acknowledged with permission.

Human and animal research

Research involving humans or animals must comply with applicable ethical standards and include the approving body and approval identifier where available. Identifiable case material requires documented consent for publication.

Misconduct and post-publication action

Fabrication, falsification, plagiarism, duplicate publication, manipulated peer review, undisclosed conflicts, and inappropriate authorship are prohibited. Confirmed concerns may lead to rejection, correction, expression of concern, retraction, or notification of relevant institutions.