Research Misconduct Policy

Digital Health & Telemonitoring Advances (DHTA) is committed to protecting the integrity of the scholarly record and maintaining responsible standards in research and publication practices. The journal does not tolerate research misconduct, unethical behavior, or practices that compromise the reliability, transparency, and credibility of published research.

The journal expects authors, reviewers, editors, and all individuals involved in the publication process to uphold principles of honesty, accountability, accuracy, and responsible conduct of research.

This policy provides guidance on the identification, assessment, and handling of suspected research misconduct associated with submitted or published manuscripts.

1. Scope of Research Misconduct

Research misconduct includes actions that intentionally or negligently compromise the accuracy, originality, or ethical integrity of scholarly work.

Examples of misconduct include:

  • Fabrication of research data or results.

  • Falsification, manipulation, or inappropriate modification of research information.

  • Plagiarism or unauthorized use of others’ intellectual work.

  • Duplicate or redundant publication.

  • Manipulation of citations or inappropriate citation practices.

  • Misrepresentation of authorship or contributor roles.

  • Failure to disclose relevant conflicts of interest.

  • Unethical research involving human participants or sensitive health information.

The journal evaluates all concerns related to research integrity seriously and takes appropriate action when necessary.

2. Plagiarism and Similarity Concerns

Digital Health & Telemonitoring Advances requires authors to submit original work that appropriately acknowledges existing research.

Manuscripts may be assessed for:

  • Direct copying of text.

  • Unattributed reuse of published material.

  • Improper paraphrasing.

  • Reuse of previously published content without appropriate disclosure.

If plagiarism or inappropriate text overlap is identified, the journal may request clarification, reject the manuscript, or take further action depending on the seriousness of the issue.

3. Data Fabrication and Falsification

Authors are responsible for ensuring that research data and findings presented in manuscripts are accurate and reliable.

The journal does not accept:

  • Invented datasets or research observations.

  • Selective reporting that misrepresents findings.

  • Manipulation of images, figures, or analytical outputs.

  • Alteration of data to support predetermined conclusions.

Concerns regarding data integrity may result in additional investigation before publication decisions are made.

4. Misconduct Investigation Process

When a potential case of research misconduct is identified, the journal follows a fair and transparent assessment process.

The process may include:

  1. Preliminary evaluation of the concern by the editorial team.

  2. Request for explanation or supporting information from the authors.

  3. Review of relevant evidence and documentation.

  4. Consultation with reviewers, experts, or institutions where necessary.

  5. Editorial decision based on the available evidence.

The journal aims to handle all investigations confidentially and fairly while protecting the rights of all parties involved.

5. Actions Following Confirmation of Misconduct

If research misconduct is confirmed, the journal may take appropriate actions, including:

  • Rejection of submitted manuscripts.

  • Request for correction of published information.

  • Publication of an expression of concern.

  • Retraction of published articles.

  • Notification of relevant institutions or organizations when appropriate.

The action taken depends on the nature, severity, and impact of the misconduct.

6. Ethical Requirements for Digital Health Research

Digital Health & Telemonitoring Advances gives particular attention to misconduct risks associated with digital health research, including:

  • Unauthorized use of patient or healthcare data.

  • Failure to protect confidential health information.

  • Misrepresentation of artificial intelligence or algorithmic performance.

  • Incomplete reporting of data sources or validation procedures.

  • Unethical use of digital monitoring technologies.

Authors conducting digital health research must ensure responsible data handling, ethical approval where required, and transparent reporting.

7. Responsibilities of Authors

Authors must:

  • Provide truthful and complete research information.

  • Maintain accurate records of research procedures and data.

  • Respond honestly to editorial inquiries.

  • Cooperate with investigations related to research integrity.

  • Correct errors identified after publication.

Failure to cooperate with an investigation may be considered during editorial decision-making.

8. Responsibilities of Editors and Reviewers

Editors and reviewers must:

  • Treat misconduct allegations seriously.

  • Maintain confidentiality during investigations.

  • Avoid personal bias or conflicts of interest.

  • Base decisions on available evidence and ethical principles.

Editors are responsible for ensuring that appropriate actions are taken to protect the integrity of the published record.

9. Commitment to Research Integrity

Digital Health & Telemonitoring Advances is committed to promoting ethical research practices, transparent reporting, and responsible scholarly communication.

By maintaining clear procedures for addressing research misconduct, the journal aims to protect authors, reviewers, readers, healthcare stakeholders, and the wider scientific community while preserving trust in published research.