Plagiarism Policy

The Journal of Nursing and Patient Care (JNPC) is committed to maintaining the highest standards of academic integrity and ethical publishing. Plagiarism in any form is considered a serious violation of publication ethics and is strictly prohibited.

JNPC follows internationally recognized guidelines, including those established by the Committee on Publication Ethics, to detect, prevent, and address plagiarism in all submitted and published manuscripts.

1. Definition of Plagiarism

Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to:

  • Copying text, ideas, images, or data without proper attribution
  • Presenting another author’s work as one’s own
  • Self-plagiarism (reusing one’s previously published work without citation)
  • Paraphrasing content without appropriate acknowledgment
  • Duplicate or redundant publication

2. Plagiarism Screening

All submitted manuscripts are subjected to plagiarism detection using reliable software tools such as Turnitin and iThenticate.

Manuscripts are screened:

  • At the time of submission
  • During the peer review process
  • Before final publication

3. Acceptable Similarity Index

JNPC follows strict similarity thresholds:

  • Up to 10% → Acceptable (with proper citations)
  • 10%–20% → Minor revision required (authors must revise and reduce similarity)
  • Above 20% → Likely rejection or further investigation

Note: Similarity from references, common phrases, and properly cited quotations may be excluded from the total percentage.

4. Types of Plagiarism

a. Direct Plagiarism

Verbatim copying of text without quotation or citation.

b. Self-Plagiarism

Reusing previously published work without proper acknowledgment.

c. Mosaic (Patchwork) Plagiarism

Mixing copied phrases or ideas from multiple sources without proper citation.

d. Data and Image Plagiarism

Using figures, tables, or data without permission or attribution.

5. Actions in Case of Plagiarism

Before Publication

  • Manuscripts with significant plagiarism will be rejected immediately
  • Authors may be asked to revise and resubmit if similarity is within acceptable limits

After Publication

If plagiarism is discovered after publication:

  • The article may be retracted
  • A notice of plagiarism will be published
  • Authors’ institutions may be informed

6. Author Responsibilities

Authors must:

  • Submit original and unpublished work
  • Properly cite all sources and references
  • Use quotation marks where necessary
  • Ensure ethical writing and reporting practices

7. Reviewer and Editor Responsibilities

Reviewers and editors are expected to:

  • Identify potential plagiarism or ethical concerns
  • Report suspected cases to the editorial office
  • Maintain confidentiality throughout the process