Policy Statement Informed Consent

Individual participants involved in the studies have the right to make decisions relating to what happens to the personal data collected or any photograph taken. They also have the right to make decisions relating to what happens to all that they have said in an interview or a study.

Written informed consent must be obtained from individuals for the publication of manuscripts containing images, details, or videos of individual participants. In case the participant is under the age of 16 years, written consent must be obtained from the legal guardians or parents. A statement relating to the consent must be made available in the manuscript.

• If the participant of the study has died, written consent must be obtained from a family member of the participant.
• A document that shows the consent for publication needs to be provided to the Editor on request.
• In case of unidentifiable images and the absence of any details of individuals included in the manuscript, consent for the publication of images may not be essential.
• The final decision relating to the need for consent for publication lies with the Editor.