The International Journal of Clinical Studies and Medical Research (IJCSMR) is committed to maintaining the accuracy, integrity, and reliability of the scholarly record. When errors or evidence of research misconduct are identified, the journal takes appropriate corrective action in accordance with the recommendations of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE).

Policy Statement

The journal recognizes that published articles may occasionally require correction or retraction to preserve the integrity of the scientific literature. Any post-publication changes will be handled transparently, promptly, and in accordance with internationally accepted publishing standards.

Corrections

A Correction (Erratum or Corrigendum) may be issued when a published article contains errors that do not invalidate the overall findings or conclusions of the research.

Examples include:

• Typographical or formatting errors.
• Errors in author names, affiliations, or contact information.
• Minor errors in figures, tables, or references.
• Minor data or factual inaccuracies that do not affect the scientific conclusions.

Corrections will be linked to the original article and will clearly describe the nature of the amendment.

Retractions

A Retraction may be issued when the findings of a published article are no longer considered reliable due to serious errors or research misconduct.

Reasons for retraction may include, but are not limited to:

• Plagiarism.
• Duplicate or redundant publication.
• Data fabrication or falsification.
• Image manipulation.
• Serious methodological or analytical errors.
• Unethical research practices.
• Lack of required ethical approval or informed consent.
• Authorship fraud or undisclosed conflicts of interest.
• Peer-review manipulation.

Retraction notices will remain permanently linked to the original article, which will remain accessible as part of the scholarly record and be clearly marked as Retracted.

Expressions of Concern

If a serious concern is raised regarding a published article but conclusive evidence is not yet available, the journal may publish an Expression of Concern while an investigation is ongoing.

The notice will remain associated with the article until the matter is resolved.

Investigation Process

All allegations relating to published articles will be investigated confidentially and fairly.

The Editorial Office may:

• Request explanations from the authors.
• Consult independent experts or reviewers.
• Communicate with the authors' institutions or funding agencies where appropriate.
• Follow the relevant COPE Flowcharts and ethical guidance throughout the investigation.

Editorial decisions will be based on the available evidence and the principles of research integrity.

Author Cooperation

Authors are expected to cooperate fully during any investigation and provide any requested information or documentation promptly.

Failure to cooperate may result in editorial action, including correction, retraction, or notification of the relevant institution.

Transparency

All corrections, retractions, and expressions of concern will:

• Be freely accessible.
• Clearly identify the affected article.
• State the reason for the action.
• Be permanently linked to the original publication.
• Preserve the integrity of the scholarly record.

The journal will not remove published articles from its website except where required by law.

Compliance with International Standards

IJCSMR manages post-publication corrections and retractions in accordance with internationally recognized best practices, including the guidance provided by:

• Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE)
• International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE)
• Council of Science Editors (CSE)

Commitment to Publication Integrity

IJCSMR is dedicated to maintaining a trustworthy and transparent scientific record. By following internationally accepted standards for corrections and retractions, the journal ensures that published research remains accurate, reliable, and ethically sound, thereby preserving the confidence of authors, readers, reviewers, and the wider research community.