Anonymisation, confidentiality, and informed consent policies

Anonymisation

It is Universal Journal of Pharmaceutical Research view that patient confidentiality and “true anonymisation” can never be 100% guaranteed. We consider this to be particularly the case given the increasing general availability of data in the public domain including social media platforms. The objectives of this policy are therefore to ensure a balance between the protection of patient confidentiality whilst at the same time seeking to facilitate the serious communication of medical information. Medical photographs should include only what is essential to make the scientific point. We accepts medical photographs cropped to preserve a patient’s dignity and privacy. 

Consent policy

Universal Journal of Pharmaceutical Research follow ICMJE recommendations, requiring informed consent for research involving human subjects. This means obtaining explicit permission from participants (or their guardians) before including them in a study. Universal Journal of Pharmaceutical Research clearly outline this requirement in its instructions for authors, and the published article should state that informed consent was obtained. Identifying information, including names and images, should not be published without explicit consent.

Key elements of an informed consent policy:

  • Voluntary participation: Participation in research must be entirely voluntary, with no coercion or undue influence.
  • Informed decision: Participants must be fully informed about the study's purpose, procedures, potential risks and benefits, and their right to withdraw at any time.
  • Written consent: While written consent is preferred, especially for identifiable information, verbal consent may be acceptable in certain circumstances (e.g., when the research poses minimal risk).
  • Documentation: Consent should be documented, either through signed consent forms or, in specific cases, through detailed records of verbal consent.
  • Privacy and confidentiality: The journal should have policies in place to protect the privacy and confidentiality of participants.
  • Review/Ethics board approval: Studies involving human subjects should be approved by a relevant ethics or review board.

Specific considerations:

  • Identifying information: If identifying information (names, initials, or hospital numbers) is essential for scientific purposes, it must be included with explicit informed consent, and authors should disclose potential internet availability.
  • Anonymization: If anonymity can be maintained, and no identifying information is used, informed consent may not be required, but journals should err on the side of caution.
  • Children: For research involving children, informed consent must be obtained from the child's parent or guardian.
  • Conflicts of interest: Authors, reviewers, and editors must disclose any potential conflicts of interest that could affect the study's integrity.
  • Data sharing: Authors should adhere to the journal's data sharing policies and obtain necessary consent for data sharing.