Reviewer Guide

A reviewer guide for Innovations in Midwifery & Child Health Practices (IMCHP) would serve as a comprehensive resource to assist peer reviewers in evaluating research manuscripts effectively. Here's a general outline for such a guide:

  1. Introduction to the Journal and Review Process:

    • Brief overview of IMCHP's scope, mission, and objectives.
    • Explanation of the peer review process employed by the journal.
    • Importance of peer review in maintaining the quality and integrity of published research.
  2. Reviewer Responsibilities and Ethical Guidelines:

    • Clear outline of the reviewer's role and responsibilities.
    • Adherence to ethical standards, including confidentiality, objectivity, and avoidance of conflicts of interest.
    • Guidance on providing constructive and respectful feedback to authors.
  3. Criteria for Evaluation:

    • Detailed explanation of the criteria used to evaluate manuscripts, including:
      • Originality and significance of the research question or topic.
      • Methodological rigor and appropriateness of study design.
      • Clarity and coherence of presentation, including writing style and organization.
      • Relevance to IMCHP's scope and contribution to advancing knowledge in the field.
      • Ethical considerations, including participant consent and data integrity.
  4. Review Process Guidelines:

    • Step-by-step instructions for accessing and evaluating manuscripts through the journal's submission system.
    • Recommendations for conducting a thorough review, including reading the manuscript multiple times, taking notes, and critically analyzing each section.
    • Suggestions for structuring the review report, including an introductory summary, detailed comments on specific sections, and a final recommendation to the editor.
  5. Examples and Templates:

    • Sample review reports or templates to help reviewers structure their feedback effectively.
    • Examples of well-written reviews that demonstrate clear, constructive critique and suggestions for improvement.
  6. Resources for Reviewers:

    • Links to relevant resources, such as guidelines for reporting different types of research studies (e.g., CONSORT for randomized controlled trials, STROBE for observational studies).
    • References to key literature or resources on peer review best practices and ethical standards.
  7. Contact Information and Support:

    • Contact details for the journal's editorial office or managing editor in case reviewers have questions or need assistance during the review process.

Providing reviewers with a comprehensive guide helps ensure consistency and quality in the peer review process and ultimately enhances the overall publication standards of IMCHP.