Submit Your Healthcare Systems Research to JICES
Join leading researchers advancing intensive care delivery, emergency medical systems, and healthcare quality improvement. Your work deserves a journal that understands the complexities of health services research.
Complete your submission in 15 minutes
Two Convenient Ways to Submit Your Manuscript
We offer flexible submission options designed to accommodate your workflow. Choose the method that works best for your research team.
ManuscriptZone Portal
Our comprehensive manuscript management system provides full tracking, auto-save functionality, and real-time status updates throughout the peer review process.
- Create secure author account with dashboard access
- Auto-save feature prevents data loss
- Track manuscript status in real-time
- Receive and respond to reviewer comments directly
- Upload supplementary materials and revisions
- Access complete submission history
Best for: Complex submissions, multi-author manuscripts, studies requiring revision tracking, and authors who want complete visibility into the review process.
Submit via ManuscriptZoneQuick Submission Form
A streamlined, single-page submission form for straightforward manuscripts. Perfect for authors who prefer a simplified process without account creation.
- No account registration required
- Single-page submission interface
- Fast upload process for manuscript files
- Immediate submission confirmation
- Email notifications for status updates
- Ideal for time-sensitive submissions
Best for: Straightforward research articles, single-author submissions, rapid communications, and authors seeking the fastest submission path.
Use Quick Submission FormManuscript Types We Publish
JICES welcomes diverse contributions to health services research, focusing on systems-level investigations, quality improvement initiatives, and healthcare delivery optimization. We publish research that advances our understanding of intensive care and emergency medical systems.
Original Research Articles
Comprehensive studies examining healthcare delivery systems, quality improvement interventions, health informatics implementations, or emergency medical services optimization.
Health Systems Analysis
In-depth evaluations of healthcare system performance, resource utilization, workflow optimization, or policy implementation in intensive care and emergency settings.
Quality Improvement Studies
Reports on systematic quality improvement initiatives, patient safety interventions, or process optimization projects in critical care and emergency departments.
Health Informatics Research
Studies on electronic health records, clinical decision support systems, telemedicine implementations, or data analytics applications in acute care settings.
Systematic Reviews & Meta-Analyses
Comprehensive evidence syntheses examining health services interventions, healthcare delivery models, or system-level outcomes in critical care contexts.
Healthcare Policy Analysis
Evaluations of healthcare policies, regulatory frameworks, reimbursement models, or organizational structures affecting intensive care and emergency services.
Implementation Science Studies
Research on the adoption, implementation, and sustainability of evidence-based practices, guidelines, or innovations in acute care environments.
Rapid Communications
Time-sensitive findings on emerging health systems issues, urgent quality concerns, or preliminary results from large-scale healthcare delivery studies.
Methodology Papers
Novel approaches to health services research, quality measurement frameworks, data collection instruments, or analytical methods for healthcare systems evaluation.
Perspectives & Commentaries
Expert viewpoints on current challenges, future directions, or controversial issues in intensive care delivery, emergency medical systems, or healthcare quality.
Case Studies
Detailed examinations of unique healthcare system implementations, organizational transformations, or innovative service delivery models in acute care settings.
Reviews
Comprehensive overviews of current knowledge on specific health services topics, healthcare delivery challenges, or system-level interventions in critical care.
Pre-Submission Checklist
Ensure your manuscript is ready for submission by verifying all required components are complete. This checklist helps streamline the review process and reduces delays.
Complete manuscript in Word or LaTeX format, following journal formatting guidelines
Concise title and structured abstract (250 words max) clearly stating objectives, methods, results, conclusions
Complete names, affiliations, ORCID IDs, and contact details for all authors
High-resolution figures (300 DPI minimum, TIFF or EPS format) with descriptive captions
IRB/ethics committee approval documentation for studies involving human subjects or protected data
Declaration of financial relationships, conflicts of interest, or funding sources
Clear statement of each author's role in study design, data collection, analysis, and manuscript preparation
Complete reference list formatted according to journal style, with DOIs where available
Letter to editor explaining significance, novelty, and fit with journal scope
Additional data files, appendices, or multimedia content properly labeled and referenced
Peer Review Timeline: What to Expect
We believe in transparent, efficient peer review. Our process is designed to provide timely, constructive feedback from experts in health services research, intensive care systems, and emergency medical services.
Submission Received Day 0
Your manuscript is logged into our system and you receive immediate confirmation. Our editorial team begins initial assessment of completeness and scope alignment.
Editorial Screening 3 Days
Editor-in-Chief or Associate Editor reviews your manuscript for journal fit, methodological soundness, and contribution to health services literature. Plagiarism check performed using iThenticate (similarity index must be below 30%).
Reviewer Assignment 5 Days
Manuscripts passing initial screening are assigned to 2-3 expert reviewers with specific expertise in your research area (health systems, quality improvement, health informatics, emergency services, etc.).
Peer Review 21 Days
Reviewers evaluate your manuscript for methodological rigor, significance to health services field, clarity of presentation, and validity of conclusions. They provide detailed feedback and recommendations.
Editorial Decision 28 Days
Based on reviewer reports, the editor makes a decision: Accept, Minor Revisions, Major Revisions, or Reject. You receive detailed feedback and specific guidance for revisions if applicable.
Revision Submission Author Timeline
If revisions are requested, you submit your revised manuscript with a detailed response to reviewers. Most authors complete revisions within 30-60 days, though extensions are available upon request.
Re-Review 14 Days
Revised manuscripts undergo expedited review to verify that concerns have been adequately addressed. Reviewers focus on changes made and author responses.
Final Acceptance Day 42+
Once accepted, your manuscript moves to production. You receive acceptance notification and information about article processing charges (APCs), with waiver options available for eligible authors.
Production & Publication 10 Days
Copyediting, typesetting, and final author proofing. Your article is published online with immediate open access, assigned a DOI, and submitted for indexing in and other databases.
Total Timeline: Submission to Publication
Average: 60 days from initial submission to online publication (assuming one round of minor revisions). Fast-track review available for time-sensitive research on emerging health systems issues or urgent quality concerns.
Why Health Services Researchers Choose JICES
Indexed in Major Databases
Your research reaches global audiences through Google Scholar, and discipline-specific health services databases
Expert Health Services Reviewers
Manuscripts reviewed by specialists in healthcare delivery, quality improvement, health informatics, and emergency medical systems
Fast, Transparent Decisions
Average 21 days to first decision with clear, actionable feedback. No black-box review process—you know exactly where your manuscript stands
Immediate Global Access
100% open access ensures your health systems research reaches policymakers, healthcare administrators, and researchers worldwide without paywalls
COPE
We adhere to Committee on Publication Ethics standards, ensuring rigorous ethical oversight and protection of research integrity
APC Waivers Available
Financial support for researchers from low-income countries, early-career investigators, and unfunded studies. Quality research should never be limited by funding
Manuscript Preparation Guidelines
Formatting Requirements
Manuscripts should be prepared in Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx) or LaTeX format. Use 12-point Times New Roman or Arial font, double-spacing throughout, and 1-inch margins on all sides. Number all pages consecutively, starting with the title page.
Structure for Original Research Articles
- Title Page: Include manuscript title, author names and affiliations, corresponding author contact information, word count, and keywords (5-8 terms)
- Abstract: Structured abstract (250 words max) with Background, Methods, Results, Conclusions sections
- Introduction: Context, significance, research gap, study objectives
- Methods: Study design, setting, participants, data collection, measures, statistical analysis, ethics approval
- Results: Present findings logically with appropriate tables and figures
- Discussion: Interpretation, comparison with existing literature, limitations, implications for health services practice and policy
- Conclusions: Key takeaways and future research directions
- References: Vancouver style, numbered consecutively in order of appearance
Figures and Tables
Submit figures as separate high-resolution files (TIFF or EPS format, 300 DPI minimum). Tables should be editable (not images) and included in the main manuscript file. Each figure and table must have a descriptive caption and be referenced in the text. Ensure all data visualizations are clear, properly labeled, and accessible to readers with color vision deficiencies.
Supplementary Materials
Large datasets, detailed protocols, additional analyses, survey instruments, or multimedia content can be submitted as supplementary files. These materials undergo peer review and are published alongside your article with appropriate citations.
Need Detailed Guidelines?
For comprehensive author instructions, including reference formatting, statistical reporting standards, and discipline-specific requirements, visit our Author Guidelines page.
Ethical Considerations
Human Subjects Research
All studies involving human participants, medical records, or identifiable health data must have approval from an institutional review board (IRB) or ethics committee. Include the approval number and date in your manuscript. For quality improvement projects, specify whether ethics review was required per your institution's policies.
Data Sharing and Transparency
JICES encourages data sharing to promote reproducibility in health services research. Authors should indicate data availability in their manuscript and, where possible, deposit de-identified datasets in recognized repositories (e.g., Dryad, Figshare, institutional repositories). Exceptions are made for sensitive health data with privacy restrictions.
Conflicts of Interest
All authors must disclose financial relationships, institutional affiliations, or personal connections that could be perceived as influencing the research. This includes funding sources, consulting relationships, employment, stock ownership, patents, or other financial interests related to the study topic.
Authorship Criteria
Authorship should be based on: (1) substantial contributions to conception, design, data acquisition, or analysis; (2) drafting or critically revising the manuscript; (3) final approval of the version to be published; and (4) agreement to be accountable for all aspects of the work. All contributors meeting these criteria should be listed as authors.
After Submission: What Happens Next?
Immediate Confirmation
You'll receive an automated email confirming receipt of your manuscript within minutes of submission. This email includes your manuscript tracking number—keep this for future reference.
Editorial Assessment
Within 3 days, an editor reviews your manuscript for scope alignment and basic quality standards. If your manuscript doesn't fit JICES' focus on health services research (e.g., it's primarily clinical/patient care focused), we'll notify you promptly and suggest more appropriate journals.
Peer Review Process
Manuscripts passing editorial screening are sent to 2-3 expert reviewers. You can track the review status through your ManuscriptZone dashboard. Reviewers are asked to complete their evaluations within 21 days, though complex studies may require additional time.
Decision Notification
You'll receive a detailed decision letter with reviewer comments and specific guidance. Possible decisions include:
- Accept: Manuscript accepted with no or minimal changes required
- Minor Revisions: Small changes needed; typically re-reviewed by editor only
- Major Revisions: Substantial changes required; manuscript returns to reviewers
- Reject: Manuscript does not meet publication standards; detailed feedback provided
Revision and Resubmission
If revisions are requested, carefully address each reviewer comment in your response letter. Highlight changes in your revised manuscript and explain your rationale for any suggestions you didn't implement. Most authors are given 60 days for revisions, with extensions available upon request.
Publication Costs and Waivers
Article Processing Charges (APCs)
As an open access journal, JICES charges APCs to cover peer review, production, and hosting costs. Current APC rates are available on our website and are communicated upon manuscript acceptance. We believe in transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
Waiver and Discount Policy
We're committed to ensuring financial barriers don't prevent publication of high-quality health services research. APC waivers or discounts are available for:
- Authors from low- and middle-income countries (per World Bank classification)
- Early-career researchers without institutional funding
- Unfunded research projects of exceptional merit
- Studies addressing critical health systems challenges in resource-limited settings
Waiver requests are evaluated confidentially and do not influence editorial decisions. Your research is judged solely on scientific merit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of health services research does JICES publish?
We focus on systems-level research in intensive care and emergency services: healthcare delivery models, quality improvement, health informatics, policy analysis, implementation science, and organizational studies. We do NOT publish individual patient care studies, clinical treatment protocols, or basic science research.
How long does the review process take?
Average time to first decision is 28 days (3 days editorial screening + 21 days peer review + 4 days decision). Total time from submission to publication averages 60 days, assuming one round of minor revisions.
Can I suggest reviewers?
Yes, you can suggest potential reviewers during submission. Provide names, affiliations, and email addresses of experts in your research area. While we appreciate suggestions, final reviewer selection is at the editor's discretion to ensure independence and expertise.
What if my manuscript is rejected?
Rejection doesn't mean your research lacks value—it may simply not fit JICES' specific scope. We provide detailed feedback to help you improve the manuscript for resubmission elsewhere. You're welcome to appeal decisions if you believe there was a misunderstanding of your work.
Do you accept resubmissions of previously rejected manuscripts?
Yes, if you've substantially revised the manuscript based on previous feedback and can demonstrate significant improvements. Include a cover letter explaining the changes and why the manuscript should be reconsidered.
How do I track my manuscript status?
If you submitted via ManuscriptZone, log into your dashboard for real-time status updates. If you used the Quick Submission Form, you'll receive email notifications at each stage of the review process.
Need Help with Your Submission?
Our editorial team is here to support you throughout the submission and review process. Whether you have questions about manuscript preparation, technical issues with the submission system, or need guidance on journal fit, we're ready to assist.
Contact Support: [email protected]
