Editors Guidelines
Editors maintain scientific quality and ethical standards at JMPT. These guidelines outline expectations for decision making, reviewer selection, and communication with authors.
Editor Responsibilities
Editors assess submissions for scope fit, originality, and methodological rigor before inviting peer review. They balance reviewer recommendations with their own assessment to reach fair, well supported decisions.
Decision Criteria
Quality
Methods and analysis are robust.
Scope
Aligned with trauma research aims.
Ethics
Approvals and safety documented.
Data
Availability and transparency.
Best Practices
Secure reviewer reports promptly and communicate delays to the editorial office.
Disclose conflicts and recuse from manuscripts where impartiality is compromised.
Provide clear rationale and separate major from minor revisions.
Record key decisions and rationale for transparency.
Professional Recognition
Editors receive formal recognition and may be invited to lead special issues or contribute editorials. Service letters and certificates are available for institutional reporting and promotion dossiers.
Best Practices
Clear decision letters and timely reviewer coordination maintain consistency and trust. Editors should provide balanced feedback, separate major from minor issues, and recommend actions supported by evidence.
Support
The editorial office provides guidance on conflicts, ethics questions, and workflow issues. Training materials and decision templates help new editors align with journal standards.
Service Expectations
Editors commit to fair, timely decisions and uphold confidentiality. Consistent response times support predictable publication timelines and author satisfaction.
Decision Accountability
Editors are expected to document decision rationale and ensure that reviewer recommendations align with journal standards. Clear records support appeals and maintain consistency.
Reviewer Development
Editors can suggest new reviewers and mentor early career experts. Building diverse reviewer pools improves expertise coverage and review quality.
Workload Balance
Editors should accept assignments that match their expertise and availability. Communicate early if workload changes to keep review timelines stable and maintain author confidence.
Conflict Management
Editors should disclose conflicts of interest and recuse themselves when needed. Transparent conflict management protects the fairness of editorial decisions and maintains confidence in the review process.
Communication Standards
Editors should communicate decisions respectfully and clearly, outlining key reasons and next steps. Professional communication improves author trust and reduces confusion during revision.
Editorial Professionalism
Maintain objective language, consistent standards, and timely responses to support a reliable author experience.
Interested in joining the editorial team?
Register to serve as an editor and help guide trauma research excellence.
