Informed consent policy

In the case of submission of manuscripts containing information on the results of sociological surveys, calculations based on data from insurance companies, etc., authors must ensure the anonymity of respondents and the confidentiality of personal data.

The editorial board of the journal requires authors publishing the results of studies involving humans to provide documented confirmation of informed consent in accordance with research ethics, which is based on the World Medical Association Declaration of Helsinki “Ethical Principles of Medical Research Involving Human Subjects”. Informed consent is based on the principle that individuals who are capable of giving informed consent have the right to voluntarily decide whether to participate in the study. Informed consent protects the freedom of choice of individuals and respects the independence of the individual. Studies involving patients or volunteers require the approval of an ethics committee and informed consent, which must be appropriately documented. Identifying information, including surnames, initials, or hospital numbers, should not be included in written descriptions, photographs, or pedigrees unless the information is essential for scientific purposes and the patient (or parent or guardian) has given written informed consent for publication. In such cases, informed consent is required to obtain the individual who may be identified by reading the manuscript prior to publication. Authors should inform patients that any materials identifying them may be made available in print and/or electronic form, or via the Internet. Informed consent should be obtained if there is any doubt about maintaining anonymity. If identifying information is not disclosed, authors should provide assurances that such changes will not distort scientific significance. Photographs containing images of individuals who participated in the study must be accompanied by a certified copy of the permission to publish. This also applies to case reports that provide sufficient information for personal identification (other than the name). In cases where the patient or relatives of a deceased patient cannot be located and their consent, respectively, cannot be confirmed, the possibility of describing a clinical case in a publication may be considered only if a high degree of anonymity is ensured. Authors must provide informed consent if the study involved human subjects, and a statement on the humane treatment of animals if they were used in the research process.