Allegation of Research Misconduct

1. Purpose and Scope
Journal Of Nursing Practice (JNP) assesses allegations of research and publication misconduct fairly, confidentially, and on the basis of evidence. This policy applies to submitted manuscripts, published articles, peer review, and editorial activities. An allegation is not, by itself, a finding of misconduct. Honest error and legitimate scientific disagreement must be distinguished from deliberate misconduct.

2. Matters Covered
Concerns may include fabrication or falsification of data, plagiarism, inappropriate image manipulation, redundant publication, misleading authorship, undisclosed material conflicts of interest, unethical research, misuse of confidential information, citation manipulation, and manipulation of peer review. Concerns involving AI use are assessed under the journal’s AI Policy and relevant research integrity requirements. Similarity scores and AI detection indicators alone do not establish misconduct.

3. Reporting a Concern
Reports should be sent to jnpstrada@gmail.com, preferably with the subject line “Research Integrity Concern.” Reports should identify:

  • The manuscript or article, including its title and DOI or URL where available.
  • The specific concern and the passages, data, images, or activities involved.
  • Supporting evidence or relevant sources.
  • Any relevant relationship or conflict of interest of the reporting person.

Contact details are encouraged to facilitate clarification. Anonymous reports will be considered where they provide sufficient specific and credible evidence.

4. Initial Assessment and Independent Handling
The editorial office will record the report and refer it to an editor without a relevant conflict of interest. The handling editor will assess whether the concern falls within the journal’s responsibilities, whether the evidence warrants further examination, and whether urgent action is needed to protect participants or readers. Relevant manuscript versions, correspondence, review records, and other evidence will be preserved. Review or production may be paused while a substantial concern is examined.

5. Clarification and Investigation
Where further assessment is justified, JNP will:

  1. Explain the concern to the relevant author or other party and provide a reasonable opportunity to respond.
  2. Request supporting documents, explanations, or appropriately protected research records where necessary.
  3. Seek independent methodological or subject expertise when appropriate.
  4. Refer matters requiring a formal research investigation to the relevant institution, employer, ethics committee, or other competent authority.
  5. Evaluate the available evidence and determine the appropriate editorial action.

The journal assesses the integrity of its publication record; institutions ordinarily undertake formal investigations into the conduct of their researchers. Failure to respond does not establish misconduct, but it does not prevent the journal from acting on the available evidence. Institutional findings will be considered alongside their relevance to the article.

6. Decisions and Outcomes
Before publication, outcomes may include no further action, clarification, revision, additional review, rejection, or referral to a relevant authority. After publication, outcomes may include no amendment, a correction, an expression of concern, or retraction under the Corrections and Retractions Policy. Actions must be proportionate to the evidence, seriousness of the issue, reliability of the work, and responsibilities of the individuals involved. JNP does not automatically impose identical sanctions on every author. The reasons for the decision and supporting records will be documented. Relevant parties will be informed, subject to confidentiality and applicable restrictions.

7. Confidentiality and Fair Treatment
Information will be shared only as reasonably necessary for assessment, investigation, editorial action, or applicable reporting obligations. Absolute confidentiality cannot be guaranteed where referral or disclosure is required. JNP will handle concerns respectfully and will not dismiss a substantiated concern because of the identity, affiliation, or status of the reporting person.

8. Complaints and Appeals
A reasoned appeal may be submitted to jnpstrada@gmail.com, identifying the decision, supporting evidence, and any alleged procedural error. A person implicated in the concern must not determine its outcome. Complaints involving the Editor-in-Chief will be referred to Universitas STRADA Indonesia for independent handling. Where the publisher is implicated, an independent person or appropriate authority will be involved. Appeals do not automatically suspend an action necessary to protect the scholarly record.

9. Related Policies
This policy should be read with the Publication Ethics Policy, Authorship Criteria, Peer Review Policy, and Corrections and Retractions Policy. JNP uses relevant COPE guidance when assessing and responding to integrity concerns.