Multicenter collaborations present new possibilities for “conflict of interest” during the peer review process. This is particularly true in a relatively small academic specialty, such as emergency medicine. For example, although the Scientific Advisory Board members do not work in the same institution, there would be potential conflict if members were to review one another’s manuscripts. However, extending this concern to the review of manuscripts written by any one of the hundreds of EMNet investigators would effectively exclude Scientific Advisory Board members from performing peer review in their area of expertise — particularly as the network grows. With these concepts in mind, the Scientific Advisory Board has adopted strict conflict of interest guidelines. Whenever a Scientific Advisory Board member is asked to review a manuscript authored by an EMNet investigator, the invited reviewer should contact the editor, acknowledge the potential conflict, and suggest that this precludes peer review of the manuscript. Scientific Advisory Board members will abide by the final decision of the journal editor. Suggested emails follow:
1. When asked to review a manuscript authored by another EMNet Scientific Advisory Board member (regardless of content): Dear _____, I received a message today requesting that I review manuscript # ______ for ______ Journal. Normally, I would be happy to do so. However, I happen to work closely with Dr ______ on the EMNet Scientific Advisory Board. Thus, I must acknowledge a conflict of interest and decline the offer. I am sorry that I am unable to help you at this time. Sincerely, _____
2. When asked to review an EMNet manuscript authored by an EMNet investigator: Dear _____, I received a message today requesting that I review manuscript # ______ for ______ Journal. Normally, I would be happy to do so. However, I happen to be a member of the EMNet Scientific Advisory Board, have previously reviewed the manuscript, and know some of the contributing authors well. Thus, I must acknowledge a conflict of interest and decline the offer. I am sorry that I am unable to help you at this time. Sincerely, _____
3. When asked to review a non-EMNet manuscript authored by an EMNet investigator: Dear _____, I received a message today from ______ Journal requesting that I review manuscript # ______. I would be happy to review this manuscript. Before I begin, however, I would like to inform you that I happen to be a member of the EMNet Scientific Advisory Board, a research network in which Dr _____ participates. If you feel that this may represent a conflict of interest, please let me know and I will step aside. If not, please forward the manuscript to me for review. Sincerely, _____
If you have any suggestions or comments about this policy, please forward them to Dr. Camargo. Thanks.