Post-Publication Discussions & Critiques

The Journal of Exact Community Health & Rehabilitation Sciences (JECH), published by EXACT RESEARCH SOLUTIONS (SMC-PRIVATE) LIMITED, accepts scholarly commentaries, critiques, and formal author responses that provide informed perspectives, methodological evaluations, or constructive challenges to previously published work. These submissions serve as a vital forum for transparent academic debate, clinical clarification, and the continuous advancement of scientific discourse in physical therapy, rehabilitation, community health, and allied medical disciplines.

Scope and Eligibility

Submissions may include:

  • Constructive commentaries or scientific critiques on articles previously published in JECH or, where appropriate, regarding relevant landmark studies in reputable health and rehabilitation journals.

  • Author responses by original article authors directly addressing published critiques or clinical queries regarding their work.

  • Final rejoinders by commentators responding to author replies.

Quality & Tone Requirements:

Commentaries and critiques must be evidence-based, focused strictly on scientific and clinical discourse, and maintain a respectful, professional tone. The inclusion of original primary research data or re-analyzed clinical data in critiques is permitted, provided the data is directly relevant, methodologically sound, and ethically obtained under institutional review board (IRB) approval.

Editorial and Review Process

  • Initial Screening: All critiques, commentaries, and related submissions submitted via OJS (https://jech.exactresolution.com/) are first evaluated by the Editor-in-Chief for clarity, scientific relevance, and scholarly value.

  • Double-Blind Peer Review: If the critique presents primary research data, complex statistical re-evaluations, or nuanced clinical issues, it undergoes formal double-blind peer review by subject experts selected by the editorial team.

  • Author Right of Reply: Authors of the original article will be formally invited to submit an author response, which will undergo the exact same editorial and review standards.

  • Rejoinder Review: A final rejoinder from the critique author may be permitted, subject to editorial and peer-review evaluation where applicable.

Process Flow Example

  1. Critique Submission: Critique submitted on a published JECH article $\rightarrow$ Editorial screening $\rightarrow$ External double-blind peer review (if applicable).

  2. Author Response: Original authors invited to respond $\rightarrow$ Author Response undergoes editorial review and peer review (if applicable).

  3. Rejoinder: Critique author may submit a final rejoinder $\rightarrow$ Editorially reviewed and (if appropriate) peer-reviewed.

  4. Simultaneous Publication: If accepted, the critique, author response, and rejoinder are published together in the same issue where possible to provide complete context for the global health community.

  5. Discussion Closure: Once this structured exchange is published, further correspondence on the specific matter will generally be considered closed to maintain journal focus.

Ethical and Transparency Considerations

In accordance with ICMJE Recommendations and COPE guidance:

  • Original authors are formally notified and provided reasonable time to submit a response prior to final publication of any critique.

  • All participating parties (commentators and original authors) are held to equal standards of scientific scrutiny and editorial fairness.

  • If the critique references an article originally published in another journal, appropriate bibliographic citation and indexing attribution practices are strictly enforced.

  • If a critique uncovers verified, serious technical errors, ethical breaches, or data omissions in a published JECH article, the editorial team will evaluate whether a formal Erratum/Correction, Expression of Concern, or Article Retraction is required in accordance with COPE procedures.

Submission Requirements

  • Word and Content Limits: Commentaries and critiques are typically limited to 1,000–2,000 words, up to 10 references, and a maximum of 1–2 tables or figures, unless special permission is granted by the Editor-in-Chief.

  • Article Identification: Submissions must explicitly state the full title, original authors, and exact web URL/permanent publication link of the targeted JECH article.

  • Cover Letter & Disclosures: Submissions must include a formal cover letter detailing the rationale for the critique, complete conflict of interest disclosures, and confirmation of ethical approval if primary participant data is included.

Contact for Submissions & Inquiries

  • Official Email: Admin@jech.exactresolution.com

  • Publisher Office: EXACT RESEARCH SOLUTIONS (SMC-PRIVATE) LIMITED, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan