Journal policy
Image, Figure and Visual Integrity
Figures must accurately represent the underlying evidence and disclose permitted processing.
Standards
- Selective alteration, deletion, duplication or inappropriate splicing is prohibited.
- Adjustments must apply consistently and must not obscure or create information.
- Editors may request editable figures, source images and analysis files.
- Colour palettes, symbols and labels should remain interpretable for readers with colour-vision deficiencies.
- Reused material requires attribution and permission where applicable.
Evidence-synthesis figures
Forest plots, funnel plots, risk-of-bias figures, evidence maps and flow diagrams must correspond to the reported data and be reproducible from submitted files or code.
Questions or concerns
Use the appropriate secure route when a matter requires a documented response.