Corrections and Retractions Policy

Impact Surgery is committed to maintaining the accuracy, integrity, and reliability of the scholarly record. The journal recognises that errors or concerns may arise before or after publication and has established procedures for correcting the literature where necessary. This policy describes how the journal handles corrections, retractions, and expressions of concern.

General principles

Editorial responsibility for the published record continues after publication. Concerns relating to errors, research integrity, authorship, ethics, or other matters are assessed carefully, proportionately, and in line with recognised publication ethics guidance. All decisions relating to corrections, retractions, or expressions of concern are made by the editorial team. The publisher supports implementation but does not influence editorial judgement.

Corrections

A correction may be issued where a published article contains an error that affects the accuracy or clarity of the work but does not invalidate the overall findings or conclusions. Examples include factual errors, typographical errors affecting interpretation, errors in figures or tables, or omissions in disclosures. Corrections are linked to the original article and clearly identify the nature of the change. The original article remains part of the scholarly record, with the correction notice providing transparency for readers.

Retractions

A retraction may be issued where the findings or conclusions of an article are no longer reliable. This may occur in cases of major error, research misconduct, unethical research practices, plagiarism, duplicate publication, or serious breaches of publication ethics. Retracted articles remain accessible but are clearly marked as retracted. Retraction notices state the reason for retraction and who is retracting the article, where this information can be provided responsibly.

Allegations of misconduct

Impact Surgery takes all allegations of research or publication misconduct seriously, whether raised before or after publication. Allegations are handled confidentially and impartially by the editorial team in line with the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) Core Practices and relevant COPE flowcharts, and may involve requests for clarification, data, or documentation from authors and, where appropriate, contact with institutions or funders. During an investigation the journal may issue an expression of concern, and outcomes may include no action, correction, retraction, or other editorial action, depending on the evidence and severity of the issue. Allegations may be submitted in confidence to the Editor-in-Chief at editor@impact-journals.org

Expressions of concern

An expression of concern may be issued where serious questions have been raised about an article but an investigation is ongoing or inconclusive. Expressions of concern are intended to alert readers while due process is followed. Once an investigation is complete, an expression of concern may be replaced by a correction, retraction, or no further action, as appropriate.

Initiation of post-publication action

Concerns may be raised by authors, readers, reviewers, editors, institutions, or other parties. Authors are expected to notify the journal promptly if they become aware of significant errors or issues affecting their published work. The editorial team may request additional information, data, or documentation from authors and may contact institutions or other relevant bodies where appropriate.

Investigations and decision-making

Investigations are conducted with fairness, confidentiality, and proportionality. Authors are given the opportunity to respond to concerns raised. Editorial decisions are based on the available evidence and may involve consultation with independent experts. The journal aims to resolve post-publication issues as promptly as possible, recognising that some cases require extended investigation.

Updates to indexing and repositories

Where corrections, retractions, or expressions of concern are issued, the journal will take reasonable steps to ensure that indexing services and repositories are notified so that records are updated appropriately.

Appeals

Authors may appeal decisions relating to corrections or retractions where they believe a decision has been based on a factual error or misunderstanding. Appeals are considered by an editor not previously involved in the handling of the case where feasible.