Patient Anonymity and Privacy

Without their informed consent, human subjects have a right to privacy that should not be infringed. Authors should not disclose identifying information of patients (e.g., name, initial, date of birth, contact, medical record number, hospital number, and geographical location), unless the information is essential for scientific purposes and patients (or his/her parent or guardian) provide written informed consent for publication. Authors are required to make an attempt to hide or mask any identifiable information about patients that exists in written or photographed content. If it is unable to completely avoid revealing patients’ identity in the published article, authors are obliged to explain to patients, show patients the identifying information (pictures, written descriptions, etc.), and obtain consent for publication from patients or legal representatives if the patient has died. Academic Publishing Pte. Ltd. will not consider submissions that include identifying patient information but without appropriate consent.

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