Correction Retraction Policy

JAKESPOL: Journal of Health Policy Analysis is committed to maintaining the accuracy, transparency, and integrity of the scholarly record, particularly in the field of health policy and systems research. The journal follows international best practices, including guidelines from the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), in managing post-publication corrections and retractions.

Correction Policy

Purpose

Corrections are issued to address minor errors in published articles that do not compromise the overall validity, reliability, or policy relevance of the research findings.

Types of Corrections

  • Erratum: Issued when errors originate from the journal’s production process (e.g., typographical errors, formatting issues, or publisher-introduced inaccuracies).

  • Corrigendum: Issued when errors are identified by the author(s), such as inaccuracies in author details, data labeling, or minor omissions that do not alter the interpretation or policy implications of the study.

Correction Procedure

  • Errors may be reported by authors, editors, reviewers, or readers.

  • The Editorial Board evaluates the reported issue, including its impact on the scientific and policy validity of the article.

  • If a correction is warranted, a formal correction notice will be published and permanently linked to the original article.

  • The corrected article will clearly indicate that a post-publication correction has been made.

Correction Principles

  • Transparency: Corrections clearly describe the nature of the error and the modifications made.

  • Accessibility: Corrected articles remain openly accessible without restriction.

Retraction Policy

Purpose

Retractions are issued to correct the scholarly record when published articles are found to contain serious ethical violations, unreliable findings, or substantial errors that invalidate the results, conclusions, or policy implications.

Grounds for Retraction

  • Data fabrication or falsification

  • Plagiarism, duplicate publication, or redundant publication

  • Major methodological, analytical, or interpretive errors that invalidate findings

  • Ethical violations, including absence of ethical approval or informed consent

  • Misrepresentation or misuse of policy evidence leading to misleading conclusions

Retraction Procedure

  • Investigation: Allegations are reviewed by the Editorial Board, with input from authors and, where appropriate, independent experts or ethics committees.

  • Decision: Retraction decisions are made by the Editor-in-Chief and Editorial Board based on evidence and ethical standards, independent of financial or institutional influence.

  • Notification: Authors are formally notified of the decision prior to publication of the retraction notice.

  • Public Record: A retraction notice explaining the reason for retraction is published and permanently linked to the original article.

  • Article Status: The original article remains accessible and is clearly marked with a visible “RETRACTED” watermark to preserve transparency.

Retraction Principles

  • Integrity: Retractions protect readers and uphold trust in scholarly communication.

  • Fairness: Authors are given an opportunity to respond during the investigation process.

  • Clarity: Retraction notices clearly state the reasons for retraction without defamatory language.

Through this policy, JAKESPOL ensures that the scholarly record remains accurate, reliable, and ethically sound, supporting evidence-based health policy and responsible academic publishing.