Peer review: concepts, variants and controversies

Abstract

Currently, peer review is still adopted by all major medical journals, despite being acknowledged to be less than perfect. This process is still considered the best way to assess the quality of the submitted scientific material. Several variations of peer review models exist, with their own advantages and disadvantages. Although open peer review has attracted much attention over the past two decades or so, there seems to be a resurgent appreciation of the merits of double-blinded peer review. Editors must have oversight of and ensure the robustness and quality assurance of their journal’s peer review process. Peer review should be recognised as an altruistic service provided to the scientific community and a key component in the process of translating research and scientific thought to publication.