Detecting Hidden Conflicts of Interest

Conflict of Interest in A Published Articles Detected

ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN WHEN AN UNCERTAIN HIDDEN CONFLICT OF INTEREST IN A PUBLISHED ARTICLE IS DETECTED

Upon discovering a concealed conflict of interest in a published article while reading, the reader should promptly inform the editor. Subsequently, the editor should:

Express gratitude to the reader and request further investigation.
Contact the author(s) to discuss the hidden conflict of interest and convey disappointment.

At this point, there can be two possible responses from the author

The author(s) acknowledges the conflict and provides relevant information

The editor should thank the author(s) and emphasize the importance of disclosing conflicts of interest.

Rectify the conflict of interest statement in accordance with the journal's policies.

Complete any remaining formalities related to the review and publication process.

Update the reader on the current status.

The author(s) disagrees or refrains from providing the necessary information

The editor should refer to the journal's conflict of interest policies and request a written conflict of interest declaration from the author(s).

If the author(s) fails to provide the required statement or the issue persists, the editor may consider additional actions, such as publishing a correction, retraction, or expression of concern, or involving the author(s)' institution in a more in-depth investigation.

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