title: Peer review and the publication process.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To provide an overview of the peer review process, its various types, selection of peer reviewers, the purpose and significance of the peer review with regard to the assessment and management of quality of publications in academic journals.
  
  
  METHODS
  Discussion paper.
  
  
  METHODS
  This paper draws on information gained from literature on the peer review process and the authors' knowledge and experience of contributing as peer reviewers and editors in the field of health care, including nursing.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There are various types of peer review: single blind; double blind; open; and post-publication review. The role of the reviewers in reviewing manuscripts and their contribution to the scientific and academic community remains important.
authors.affiliation: The School of Nursing and Midwifery The University of Sheffield Barber House Annexe 3a Clarkehouse Road Sheffield S10 2LA UK.
authors.forename: Parveen Azam
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Ali
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health and Social Care University of Hull Cottingham Road Hull HU6 7RX UK.
authors.forename: Roger
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Watson
keywords: Double blind peer review; manuscript; peer review; peer reviewer; publication process; single blind peer review