Corrections and Retractions

INTRODUCTION

The Croatian Journal of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Medicine (CJAIM) is committed to maintaining the integrity of the scientific record. This policy, aligned with Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) guidelines, outlines procedures for correcting or retracting published content when necessary.

TYPES OF POST-PUBLICATION NOTICES

ERRATUM (CORRECTION)

An erratum is published when errors are identified that affect the scientific record but do not invalidate the findings.

When issued:

  • Errors in author names, affiliations, or acknowledgments
  • Minor errors in text, data, or figures that do not affect conclusions
  • Omission of funding information or conflicts of interest
  • Typographical or production errors introduced during publishing

Process:

  1. Authors or readers report the error to the Editorial Office
  2. Editors assess the nature and impact of the error
  3. An erratum notice is published, clearly describing the error and correction
  4. The erratum is linked to the original article
  5. The original article is updated with a note linking to the erratum

CORRIGENDUM (AUTHOR CORRECTION)

A corrigendum is published when authors identify significant errors in their own work.

When issued:

  • Authors discover errors that affect interpretation of data
  • Corrections to methodology that do not invalidate conclusions
  • Updates to statistical analyses or data presentation

Process:

  1. Authors submit a correction request with detailed explanation
  2. Editors and, if necessary, peer reviewers assess the correction
  3. A corrigendum is published describing the change
  4. Both documents are cross-linked

EXPRESSION OF CONCERN

An expression of concern alerts readers to serious concerns about an article while investigation is ongoing.

When issued:

  • Credible allegations of misconduct under investigation
  • Evidence of unreliable findings pending confirmation
  • Unresolved authorship disputes
  • Concerns about research ethics compliance

Process:

  1. Editors identify serious concerns requiring investigation
  2. Authors and institutions are notified
  3. An expression of concern is published and linked to the article
  4. Investigation proceeds; outcome determines final action
  5. The expression of concern is replaced with retraction, correction, or clearance notice

RETRACTION

Retraction is the most serious action. A retracted article is not removed: it remains permanently available, clearly marked as retracted, keeps its DOI, and is two-way linked to a retraction notice. Retraction corrects the scientific record; it does not erase it.

When issued (following COPE guidelines):

  • Clear evidence of unreliable findings (error or fabrication)
  • Plagiarism or duplicate publication
  • Unethical research (lack of ethics approval, informed consent violations)
  • Compromised peer review
  • Authorship manipulation
  • Copyright infringement
  • Legal or safety issues requiring removal

Process:

  1. Concerns are raised and investigated thoroughly
  2. Authors are given opportunity to respond
  3. Relevant institutions may be contacted
  4. Editors make final decision based on evidence
  5. A retraction notice is published explaining the reason
  6. The original article is marked as retracted but remains accessible
  7. Indexing services are notified

RETRACTION NOTICE REQUIREMENTS

Retraction notices will:

  • Be clearly titled "Retraction"
  • State who is retracting (authors, editors, or publisher)
  • Provide the reason for retraction
  • Reference the retracted article
  • Be freely accessible
  • Be linked bidirectionally with the retracted article

ARTICLE REMOVAL

In exceptional circumstances, an article may be removed entirely:

  • Legal requirements (defamation, privacy violations)
  • Clear risk to patient safety or public health
  • Article content that could facilitate serious harm

In such cases, metadata and a notice explaining removal will remain.

AMENDMENTS AND ADDENDA

For substantial additions to published work that do not constitute corrections:

  • Authors may request publication of an addendum
  • Addenda are peer reviewed when appropriate
  • Published addenda are linked to the original article

REPORTING CONCERNS

Concerns about published articles should be reported to: Email: editorial@cjaim.org

All concerns are treated confidentially and investigated according to COPE guidelines.

TIMELINE

  • Errata/Corrigenda: Published within 4 weeks of approval
  • Expressions of Concern: Published promptly upon decision
  • Retractions: Published as soon as investigation concludes

REFERENCES

This policy follows guidelines from:

  • Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) - publicationethics.org
  • International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE)

Last updated: January 2026