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Peer Review Report Writing Tool

Interactive training material for manuscript assessment

Peer Review Instructions

Always check guidelines sent by the journal editor first. If none are provided, follow this structured approach to review public health manuscripts.

🔍 1. Executive Summary (1-2 Paragraphs)

Begin your report by demonstrating your understanding of the paper. Do not copy the abstract. Summarize in your own words:

  • Objectives: What was the core research question or public health problem addressed?
  • Key Findings: What are the primary outcomes, and how do they advance the current state of the art or public health practice?
  • Technical Rigor: Briefly state if the overall methodology appears sound and appropriate for the objectives.

❗ 2. Major Comments

Detail significant concerns that affect the validity or reliability of the manuscript. Focus on structural and methodological integrity:

  • Study Design: Are epidemiological methods sound? Are biases addressed? Does it follow guidelines such as STROBE or CONSORT?
  • Data & Ethics: Is the sample size sufficient? Is there clear evidence of IRB or ethical approval and informed consent?
  • Analyses: Are the statistical tests correct for the data types? Are confounders controlled for?
  • Interpretation: Are results interpreted objectively without overstatement? Are the conclusions supported by the data presented?
  • Limitations: Did the authors transparently discuss the study's limitations?
  • Referencing: Is prior literature properly cited, avoiding plagiarism or biased citation?

🖌 3. Minor Comments

Address smaller issues that do not invalidate the study but still need correction for clarity and professionalism:

  • Figures & Tables: Suggest minor corrections to legends, axes, or visual clarity. Ensure they are standalone.
  • Language & Clarity: Point out areas needing structural editing or clarification instead of copy-editing every typo.
  • Minor Analyses: Suggest small supplementary analyses that would improve understanding without requiring new data collection.

📝 4. Conclusion & Recommendation

Conclude with a clear, direct summary of your opinion.

  • Set out your main opinion on the paper's suitability for publication based on its public health impact and rigor.
  • Provide your final recommendation such as Accept, Minor Revisions, Major Revisions, or Reject if the journal requires it in the text.
  • Crucial rule: all comments must clearly reference specific page and line numbers from the manuscript.