Corrections and Retractions Policy

Global Health Synapse is committed to maintaining the accuracy, integrity, transparency, and permanence of the scholarly record through responsible correction and retraction practices consistent with recognized publication ethics standards.

All post-publication updates are managed in accordance with editorial policies and ethical publishing guidelines to ensure trust, accountability, and reliability in the published scholarly record.

Version of Record (VoR)

Once an article is published in its final form, it is considered the Version of Record (VoR), which serves as the definitive, permanent, and citable scholarly version of the article. The Version of Record includes any approved post-publication corrections, updates, or notices linked to the article.

Post-Publication Corrections

The journal may issue post-publication notices when updates or corrections to published articles are necessary, including:

  • Errors affecting readability, interpretation, citation, or indexing
  • Concerns related to data accuracy or research reliability
  • Issues involving publication ethics or policy compliance

Correction Notices

The journal may publish the following correction notices:

  • Erratum — correction of publisher-introduced errors
  • Corrigendum — correction of author-introduced errors
  • Addendum — additional information relevant to the published article

All correction notices remain permanently linked to the original article to maintain transparency and integrity of the scholarly record.

Concerns Related to Article Integrity

Concerns regarding the validity, reliability, ethical compliance, or integrity of published work are investigated in accordance with editorial policies and recognized publication ethics standards. Investigations may involve communication with authors, reviewers, institutions, or other relevant parties where necessary.

Expression of Concern

An Expression of Concern may be issued when:

  • Serious concerns exist regarding the reliability of a published article
  • Potential research or publication misconduct is under investigation
  • Investigations are ongoing, inconclusive, or require extended review

Such notices remain linked to the article and may later be updated, revised, or replaced based on the outcome of the investigation.

Retractions

Retraction of a published article may occur when:

  • Research findings are unreliable or significantly inaccurate
  • Data fabrication, falsification, or manipulation is identified
  • Research or publication misconduct has occurred
  • Peer review integrity has been compromised
  • Ethical standards or consent requirements have been violated
  • Authorship or supporting data cannot be adequately verified

Retraction notices clearly state the reasons for retraction and remain permanently accessible and linked to the original publication.

Article Removal

Removal of published content is undertaken only in exceptional circumstances where legally required or necessary to protect individuals or public safety.

  • Serious privacy or confidentiality violations
  • Defamatory or unlawful material
  • Content posing significant public health or safety risks

Supplementary Material and Research Data

Supplementary files, datasets, appendices, and supporting materials form part of the scholarly record. Significant corrections or updates to supplementary content may require formal notices or updated version information to ensure transparency and traceability.

Name Change Policy

The journal supports inclusivity and author identity rights by allowing authors to request updates to their name and/or pronouns for personal, professional, cultural, or gender-related reasons. Public correction notices or legal documentation are not required for such updates.

Requesting a Name Change

Authors requesting an update should provide:

  • Previously published name
  • Updated name
  • Pronoun update (if applicable)
  • Contact email address
  • Relevant article DOI(s)
  • Preference regarding notification of co-authors