Introduction

Medical Channel Journal (MCJ) is committed to protecting the privacy, dignity, and rights of individuals participating in research. All studies involving human participants must be conducted ethically, and informed consent must be obtained before participation. The journal follows the recommendations of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) to ensure that participants' personal information is handled with the highest level of confidentiality and professional responsibility.

Informed Consent Requirements

Authors conducting research involving human participants must ensure that:

• Written informed consent is obtained from all participants before enrollment.

• Participants are adequately informed about the purpose, procedures, potential risks, and expected benefits of the study.

• Participation is voluntary, and individuals have the right to refuse or withdraw at any stage without prejudice.

• Consent is obtained from a parent or legal guardian when research involves minors or individuals unable to provide informed consent.

Privacy and Confidentiality

MCJ requires that all personal and medical information, including data obtained through the doctor–patient relationship, be treated with the highest level of confidence and discretion. Authors must protect the privacy and confidentiality of participants by ensuring that:

• Personal identifiers are removed or anonymized whenever possible.

• Patient names, initials, hospital numbers, photographs, or other identifying information are not published without explicit written consent.

• Confidential information is disclosed only when ethically justified and legally permitted.

Editorial Assessment

The Editorial Office may request documentation confirming that informed consent was obtained and that ethical requirements were fulfilled. Manuscripts lacking appropriate informed consent or violating participant confidentiality may be rejected or returned for clarification before peer review.

Policy Compliance

By submitting a manuscript to Medical Channel Journal, authors confirm that informed consent was obtained where required, participant rights and confidentiality were fully protected, and the study complies with applicable ethical standards and the recommendations of COPE and ICMJE.