Patient Anonymity and Privacy

Human subjects have a right to privacy that should not be violated without informed consent. Identifying information or patient identifiers, including patient names, initials, date of birth, contacts, medical record numbers, hospital numbers, and geographical location, should not be published in written descriptions, photographs, or pedigrees unless the information is essential for scientific purposes and patients (or his/her parent or guardian) give written informed consent for publication. Efforts must be made by authors to at least mask or conceal any identifying information of the patients that appear in writing or within photograph.

Authors are advised to refer to ICMJE Privacy and Confidentiality guidelines for more information about patient anonymity and privacy.

Refer to ICMJE Privacy and Confidentiality guidelines for more information about patient anonymity and privacy.