The European Journal of Medical Case Reports (EJMCR), published by Discover STM Publishing Ltd, uses initial editorial assessment followed, where appropriate, by double-blind external peer review. Manuscripts proceeding to external review are normally evaluated by a minimum of two independent experts. Reviewer recommendations inform the process, while the responsible editor makes the final editorial decision.

1. Submission of a manuscript

Authors submit manuscripts through the EJMCR online submission system, supplying the required files and declarations described in the Guide for Authors. Submissions are not received by email.

2. Administrative and Technical Check

The Editorial Office performs an administrative and technical check for essential files, formatting and completeness, required declarations, and ethics or consent documentation where applicable. Similarity screening may identify textual overlap or possible redundant publication for editorial assessment; a similarity report does not itself establish plagiarism. Scientific and editorial suitability is assessed in the next stage.

3. Initial Editorial Assessment

The responsible editor or delegated editorial team assesses the manuscript’s suitability, considering its relevance to EJMCR, article type, originality, clinical or scientific merit, reporting quality, major methodological concerns, ethics and journal requirements. A manuscript may be declined before external review if it is outside scope, substantially non-compliant, fundamentally methodologically or ethically problematic, or otherwise unsuitable for further consideration.

4. Selection of Independent Reviewers

Manuscripts proceeding to external peer review are normally sent to a minimum of two independent external experts with appropriate subject expertise. The editor and Editorial Office select reviewers for relevant expertise, independence, ability to give an objective assessment, and absence of inappropriate competing interests. Invitations continue as needed to secure the required reviews.

5. Reviewers respond to invitations

Invited reviewers consider their expertise, availability and ability to assess the manuscript independently within a reasonable timeframe. They must disclose relevant competing interests, maintain confidentiality and decline an invitation if a conflict could reasonably compromise impartiality. When declining, they may suggest a suitable alternative reviewer.

6. Double-Blind External Peer Review

EJMCR uses double-blind external peer review. Authors’ identities are withheld from reviewers according to the journal’s process, and reviewer identities are not disclosed to authors. Manuscripts and review reports are confidential. Reviewers assess clinical or scientific merit, methods, interpretation and reporting as appropriate; identify important strengths and limitations; raise ethical or integrity concerns; and explain their recommendations. They must not upload confidential submissions, patient information, unpublished text, images or data to publicly accessible generative-AI systems or services where confidentiality cannot be assured. Reviewers remain responsible for their assessments, and AI must not replace independent judgement.

7. Reviewer Recommendations and Editorial Evaluation

Reviewers submit reasoned comments and recommendations, which may include acceptance, revision or rejection according to journal decision categories. Their recommendations are advisory. The responsible editor weighs the reports and their reasoning alongside the manuscript, ethical or integrity concerns, journal requirements and the editor’s own assessment; decisions are not determined by counting reviewer votes. If reports materially conflict, the editor may seek clarification, specialist advice or another independent review. The responsible editor remains accountable for the editorial decision.

8. Revised Manuscripts and Further Review

Authors invited to revise should submit a revised manuscript and a clear, professional response to editorial and reviewer comments, explaining any suggestions they have not adopted. The responsible editor assesses the revision. Minor changes may be handled editorially; more substantial revisions may be returned to the original reviewers or sent for additional independent review as appropriate. Major revisions are not automatically sent back to reviewers.

9. Final Editorial Decision and Communication

Following review and any required revision, the responsible editor makes the final editorial decision. Outcomes may include acceptance, further revision or rejection. The Editorial Office communicates the decision to the corresponding author, with relevant reviewer and editor comments and instructions where appropriate. Confidential comments to the editor need not be forwarded verbatim, and reviewer identities remain protected. Accepted manuscripts then proceed to production.

You can access our Peer Review Policy.

Editorial Independence and Research Integrity

Editorial and peer-review decisions are independent of Article Processing Charges, an author’s ability to pay, advertising, sponsorship and other commercial considerations. Payment does not influence review, guarantee acceptance or determine the final decision. Potential plagiarism, redundant publication, fabrication, falsification, image or data manipulation, authorship problems, undeclared interests and other ethical concerns are assessed under EJMCR and Discover STM policies and relevant COPE guidance. A concern or allegation does not by itself establish misconduct or require automatic rejection.

The extent and form of editorial assessment may vary by manuscript type, while manuscripts proceeding to external peer review follow the Peer Review Policy. An editorial decision may be reconsidered if a material error, overlooked information, an ethical concern or another substantive issue warrants review; reconsideration does not guarantee another round of peer review.

Last reviewed: October 2026. Policy responsibility: EJMCR Editorial Office, in accordance with Discover STM Publishing Ltd policies.

Further guidance is available in EJMCR’s Editorial and Publishing Policies, the Discover STM Ethical Policies and relevant COPE guidance.