Ethical Approval Policy

Ethics and Research Compliance Policy
The Journal of Medico Informatics (JoMI) is committed to upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct in biomedical, clinical, and informatics research. All research involving human participants, animals, human tissues, or sensitive biological materials must comply with applicable ethical guidelines, institutional requirements, and national and international regulations. The journal adheres to globally recognized ethical frameworks, including the Committee on Publication Ethics, and requires strict compliance with ethical approval and reporting standards.

Human Subjects Research
For studies involving human participants, authors must confirm that the research was conducted in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki and relevant national or institutional regulations. Manuscripts must include a clear statement indicating that ethical approval was obtained from an appropriate Institutional Review Board (IRB), Ethics Committee, or equivalent body, including the name of the approving institution and the approval/reference number. Authors must also confirm that informed consent was obtained from all participants, or that appropriate consent procedures were followed in accordance with ethical standards. In cases where consent was waived, a justification must be provided along with confirmation that such waiver was approved by the relevant ethics committee. If a study is exempt from ethical approval, authors must clearly state the reason for exemption and provide appropriate justification.

Research Involving Human Tissues, Cadavers, or Deceased Individuals
For studies involving human tissues, cadaveric materials, autopsy samples, or case studies based on deceased individuals, authors must ensure that the research complies with applicable ethical, legal, and institutional guidelines governing the use of human biological materials. Ethical approval from an appropriate authority (such as an institutional ethics committee, anatomy board, or equivalent regulatory body) must be obtained where required, and details of such approval must be clearly stated in the manuscript. Authors must confirm that the use of human remains or tissues was conducted with appropriate authorization and respect for donor consent, next-of-kin permission (where applicable), and cultural and legal considerations. Any identifiable information must be anonymized to protect privacy and dignity. For case reports involving deceased individuals, authors must ensure that no identifying details are disclosed unless explicit permission has been obtained in accordance with ethical standards. Where formal ethical approval is not required under local regulations, authors must provide a clear justification and confirm adherence to institutional and national policies.

Animal Research
For studies involving animals, authors must confirm compliance with internationally accepted guidelines for the care and use of laboratory animals, including the ARRIVE Guidelines, the Directive 2010/63/EU, or equivalent national regulations. Manuscripts must include a statement confirming that ethical approval was obtained from an appropriate animal ethics committee, including the name of the approving body and the approval number. Authors must also confirm that all procedures were designed to minimize animal suffering and follow principles of humane care.

Data Privacy and Sensitive Information
For studies involving personal data, patient records, or identifiable information, authors must ensure compliance with applicable data protection regulations. Identifiable personal information must not be published unless explicit consent has been obtained. All data must be anonymized where appropriate to protect privacy.

Editorial and Documentation Requirements
JoMI requires that all manuscripts include a clearly identifiable Ethics Statement within the main text. The editorial office reserves the right to request official documentation of ethical approval at any stage of the submission, review, or publication process. Failure to provide valid documentation upon request may result in rejection of the manuscript.

Non-Compliance and Policy Enforcement
Manuscripts lacking appropriate ethical approval, incomplete ethics statements, or evidence of non-compliance with ethical standards will not be considered for review or publication. If ethical concerns are identified after publication, the journal may take appropriate corrective actions, including issuing corrections, expressions of concern, or retraction of the article.

Commitment to Ethical Research
This policy ensures that all research published in JoMI adheres to internationally accepted ethical principles, protects the rights, dignity, and welfare of human participants and animals, and maintains the integrity and credibility of the scientific record.