Archives of Operative Medicine (AOM) is committed to ensuring transparency, fairness, and integrity throughout the editorial and publishing process. We welcome and take seriously all complaints and appeals made by authors, reviewers, or readers.

This policy outlines how such concerns are handled in accordance with guidelines established by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

 

Complaints

A complaint may relate to:

• Undue editorial delays
• Perceived bias or unfair editorial decisions
• Reviewer misconduct or inappropriate comments
• Technical issues with manuscript submission or publication
• Ethical concerns regarding published content
• Alleged breaches of confidentiality or privacy

How to Submit a Complaint:
All complaints should be submitted via email to the editorial office at: editor@aomjournal.com
Please include:

• Full name and contact information
• Manuscript ID (if applicable)
• Clear description of the issue and relevant supporting evidence

Response Time:
All complaints will be acknowledged within 5 business days, and a full response will be provided within 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the complexity of the matter.

Complaints are handled by the Editor-in-Chief or a designated senior editor not directly involved in the issue in question.

 

Appeals

Authors have the right to appeal editorial decisions (e.g., rejection of a manuscript) if they believe:

• A factual error influenced the decision
• Reviewer comments were unfair or biased
• The process was not conducted according to the journal’s stated policies

Appeal Procedure:

• Appeals must be submitted in writing within 30 days of the editorial decision.
• The appeal should include a clear explanation and any relevant supporting materials.
• A senior editor or external advisor (if needed) will conduct a second independent review.

Please note: Disagreement with the editorial judgment alone is not sufficient grounds for an appeal. Appeals are assessed based on evidence of procedural error or bias.

Final Decision:
The outcome of the appeal will be communicated in writing and is considered final.

 

We treat all complaints and appeals with confidentiality, objectivity, and professionalism.

If you have any questions or concerns about this policy, please contact us at editor@aomjournal.com.