Peer-review is the system used to assess the quality of a manuscript before it is published. Independent researchers in the relevant research area assess submitted manuscripts for originality, validity and significance to help editors determine whether the manuscript should be published in their journal. You can read more about the peer-review process here.
Patient Safety in Surgery operates a single-blind peer-review system, where the reviewers are aware of the names and affiliations of the authors, but the reviewer reports provided to authors are anonymous.
The benefit of single-blind peer review is that it is the traditional model of peer review that many reviewers are comfortable with, and it facilitates a dispassionate critique of a manuscript.
Submitted manuscripts will first be screened by the Editors-in-Chief for suitability for peer review. All manuscripts that are deemed suitable for peer review will be assigned to at least two expert reviewers. The Editors-in-Chief will decide on whether to accept or reject a manuscript based on reviewer recommendations. If required, manuscripts will be sent to a statistician. Where reviewer’s comments are conflicting, the Editorial Board or an additional independent reviewer will be consulted to help reach an editorial decision. Should an author be unsatisfied with the editorial decision, members of the Editorial Board will analyze the authors’ justification and additional reviewers may be sought, if appropriate.