Corrections & Retractions

Caring & Sharing Nursing Journal (CSNJ) is committed to maintaining the accuracy and integrity of the scholarly record. When errors or ethical concerns are identified in published articles, CSNJ will take appropriate actions, including corrections, retractions, or expressions of concern, depending on the nature and severity of the issue.

1) Definitions

1.1 Correction (Erratum/Corrigendum)

A Correction is issued when an honest error is identified that does not invalidate the overall findings or conclusions of the article (e.g., minor data errors, author affiliation corrections, typographical errors that affect interpretation, missing acknowledgments).

1.2 Retraction

A Retraction is issued when the findings are unreliable due to major error or misconduct, including (but not limited to):

  • plagiarism or substantial unattributed overlap

  • data fabrication or falsification

  • serious methodological or analytical error that invalidates conclusions

  • unethical research practices (e.g., missing required ethical approval/consent where applicable)

  • duplicate/redundant publication

  • compromised peer review process

1.3 Expression of Concern

An Expression of Concern may be issued when there are serious allegations or evidence suggesting problems, but the investigation is ongoing and a final decision has not yet been reached.

2) How Issues Are Reported

Concerns may be raised by:

  • authors, readers, reviewers, editors, or institutions

  • through direct contact to the CSNJ editorial office

Reports should include clear details and supporting evidence (e.g., article title, DOI/URL, description of the concern).

3) Investigation and Decision Process

When a concern is received, CSNJ will:

  1. Acknowledge receipt of the report and record the case internally.

  2. Conduct an initial assessment (including similarity screening, review of data/figures if relevant).

  3. Contact the corresponding author for explanation and supporting documentation where appropriate.

  4. Consult the editorial board and/or relevant experts if necessary.

  5. Decide the appropriate action: Correction, Retraction, Expression of Concern, or No action.

CSNJ aims to handle cases fairly, confidentially, and transparently. Timelines may vary depending on complexity and responses from involved parties.

4) Publication of Notices

4.1 Correction Notice

  • Published as a separate item in the journal

  • Clearly identifies the corrected article (title, authors, issue, DOI/URL)

  • Describes what was corrected and why

  • Links to the original article and is linked from the original article page

4.2 Retraction Notice

  • Published as a separate item in the journal

  • Clearly identifies the retracted article (title, authors, issue, DOI/URL)

  • States the reason for retraction and who initiated it (author/editor/publisher) when appropriate

  • Links to the original article and is linked from the original article page

  • The original article remains accessible for the scholarly record but will be clearly marked as “Retracted” on the article landing page and in the PDF (where feasible)

4.3 Expression of Concern

  • Published and linked to the original article

  • Updated or replaced by a Correction/Retraction notice when the investigation concludes

5) Author-Initiated Corrections and Retractions

Authors are encouraged to promptly report significant errors discovered after publication. CSNJ will evaluate author requests and proceed through the same documented process to protect the scholarly record.

6) Appeals

Authors may submit an appeal if they believe a correction/retraction decision was based on factual errors or procedural issues. Appeals must include a reasoned explanation and supporting evidence. Appeals are reviewed by the Editor-in-Chief and/or an independent editor not involved in the original decision.