1. Peer Review Policy

Media Husada Journal of Nursing Sciences (MHJNS) applies a double-blind peer review process to ensure an objective, fair, and confidential evaluation of submitted manuscripts. Under this system, the identities of authors and reviewers remain anonymous to each other throughout the review process.

Each manuscript that passes the initial editorial screening is evaluated by two reviewers with relevant expertise in the subject area of the manuscript. Reviewer candidates are selected based on their academic reputation, relevant expertise, and the quality and relevance of their scholarly work.

The review period is three weeks from the date the manuscript is assigned to the reviewers. Reviewers are expected to assess the manuscript objectively and provide constructive recommendations to support the editorial decision.

The recommendations of both reviewers are considered in the decision-making process. The recommendation of the first reviewer is given priority as the primary consideration; however, the final decision to accept, request revisions, or reject a manuscript rests with the editor, taking into account the assessments of both reviewers and the journal's editorial standards.

2. Reviewer Selection and Invitation

The editor identifies potential reviewers whose expertise is relevant to the manuscript's topic. Reviewer selection takes into consideration their academic reputation, subject-matter expertise, and the quality of their scholarly contributions.

The editor sends an invitation to each selected reviewer to confirm their availability and willingness to review the manuscript. Once a reviewer has accepted the invitation, the editor arranges the reviewer's account in the Open Journal Systems (OJS) platform, where necessary, and assigns the manuscript through the system.

All peer review activities, including manuscript assignment, review submission, and editorial communication, are managed through OJS under the supervision of the editor.

3. Stages of the Peer Review Process

The peer review process consists of the following stages:

Stage 1. Manuscript Submission and Receipt

The editor receives the manuscript submitted by the author through the OJS platform.

Stage 2. Initial Editorial Screening

The editor conducts an initial assessment to determine whether the manuscript meets the journal's basic requirements. This assessment includes:

• The relevance of the research objectives and subject matter to the journal's focus and scope.
• Compliance with the journal's Author Guidelines and manuscript formatting requirements.
• Completeness of the manuscript and the availability of supporting or supplementary data, where applicable.

Manuscripts that do not meet the journal's requirements or fall outside its scope may be rejected at this stage without proceeding to peer review.

Stage 3. Similarity Check

Manuscripts that pass the initial screening undergo a similarity check using available online databases or similarity-checking tools.

Manuscripts with substantial evidence of plagiarism may be rejected. If minor similarities or potential irregularities are identified, the editor may contact the author for clarification or request appropriate corrections before proceeding.

Stage 4. Assignment to Reviewers

The editor assigns the manuscript to two reviewers with relevant expertise and provides the necessary review instructions and reviewer evaluation form. The double-blind review procedure is maintained to protect the anonymity of both authors and reviewers.

Stage 5. Review and Evaluation

Reviewers evaluate the manuscript's scientific quality, originality, methodological appropriateness, relevance to the journal's scope, clarity of presentation, and contribution to nursing science and practice.

Reviewers submit their evaluation forms and recommendations to the editor through OJS within the designated three-week review period. Where revisions are recommended, the reviewers may provide specific comments and suggestions to guide the author in improving the manuscript.

Stage 6. Editorial Decision

After considering the reviewers' recommendations and the results of the editorial assessment, the editor makes one of the following decisions:

• Accept: The manuscript is accepted for publication.
• Minor Revision: The author is required to make limited revisions.
• Major Revision: The author is required to make substantial revisions before further consideration.
• Reject: The manuscript is not accepted for publication.

The editor communicates the decision and relevant reviewer comments to the author through OJS.

Stage 7. Manuscript Revision

If revisions are required, the author must revise the manuscript in accordance with the editor's decision and the reviewers' comments. The revised manuscript should be accompanied by a response explaining how the comments have been addressed.

Authors are expected to return the revised manuscript promptly within the deadline specified by the editor. If the revised manuscript is not returned within three months, it will be treated as a new submission and may be required to undergo the submission and review process again.

Stage 8. Final Evaluation

The editor evaluates the revised manuscript and the author's responses to the reviewers' comments. When necessary, the revised manuscript may be returned to the reviewers for further assessment. The final decision regarding publication rests with the editor.

4. Confidentiality and Editorial Responsibility

All manuscripts and review reports are treated as confidential throughout the editorial process. Reviewers must maintain confidentiality and must not disclose or use unpublished information from manuscripts for purposes unrelated to the review.

The editor is responsible for managing the peer review process, ensuring that reviewer recommendations are considered appropriately, and making editorial decisions based on the manuscript's quality, relevance, ethical compliance, and conformity with the journal's publication standards.

Submission to MHJNS does not guarantee acceptance or publication. All manuscripts must satisfy the journal's editorial and publication requirements before they can be accepted.