Post-Publication Discussion Policy
Cermin Dunia Kedokteran (CDK) journal welcomes constructive, evidence-based discussion of articles published in the journal. Post-publication discussion allows readers and researchers to raise substantive concerns, seek clarification, present alternative interpretations, or discuss developments relevant to the published work.
Post-publication discussions should:
- Address substantive scientific, methodological, or interpretive issues related to the published article.
- Be objective, constructive, and supported by appropriate evidence and relevant references.
- Clearly identify the published article being discussed.
- Focus on the content and scientific contribution of the article rather than on the authors or other individuals.
- Maintain a professional and respectful tone.
- Disclose any relevant conflicts of interest.
- Distinguish scientific disagreement from claims of error, misconduct, or other publication-ethics concerns.
The journal may consider post-publication discussions in the form of letters to the editor, commentaries, correspondence, or other article types designated by the journal. Upon receiving a post-publication discussion, the editor will assess its relevance, scientific validity, supporting evidence, and compliance with the journal's editorial and ethical standards. The editor may seek additional information or expert advice where appropriate.
The authors of the original article will normally be allowed to respond to substantive criticism. Where appropriate, the discussion and the authors' response may be reviewed and published together to facilitate a balanced and constructive scholarly exchange.
Post-publication discussions should not contain personal attacks, defamatory or libelous statements, harassment, derogatory language, or unsupported accusations. Discussions that are inaccurate, trivial, inappropriate, or unsupported by sufficient evidence may be rejected.
Where a post-publication discussion identifies a potential error or concern affecting the reliability or integrity of the published article, the journal may initiate further editorial or publication-ethics assessment. Depending on the nature and severity of the issue, the journal may publish a correction, clarification, expression of concern, or retraction in accordance with the journal's policies and applicable publication-ethics guidelines.
Scientific disagreement or an alternative interpretation does not, by itself, constitute grounds for correction or retraction. The journal reserves the right to determine the appropriate editorial process and publication format for each post-publication discussion while maintaining fairness, transparency, and the integrity of the scholarly record.
