Q: Would it be considered a salami slicing?

Detailed Question -

I published a case report about a complication of a test (Case A). After that, I investigated the rate of the same complication and the clinical features of the complication. I examined about 300 cases, and I found that the occurrence of the complication was 2 cases including Case A. If I publish a new paper which discusses this result including Case A, would it be considered a salami slicing?

Asked on Apr 27, 2021
1 Answer to this question

Answer:

Thank you for the question! Results based on the same dataset should be presented together in a single publication. Segmenting the results from the same dataset into different manuscripts can amount to salami slicing or segmented publication. However, this can be done if the dataset is too large or if the study has a secondary finding that was not discussed in the first paper.

If your new paper is a follow-up on a previously published case report, publishing this will depend on the novelty and importance of the follow-up. As long as you clearly reference the previous publication, mention that this is a follow-up study, and do not include the same figures/tables from the previous publication, it will not be considered unethical. However, to be on the safe side, it is best to inform the journal editor regarding the previous publication at the time of submission. You can mention this and provide a link to the published case report in the cover letter to avoid any ethical concerns later.

We suggest you refer to the ICMJE guidelines regarding overlapping publication before proceeding with the submission of a new paper.

We also have a few related resources you may want to go through:

Hope that helps. All the best for your study!

Answered by Editage Insights 7 May, 2021

Resources for authors and journals