Peer review for medical journals: why and how? - Critical Care Science (CCS)

WHY IS PEER REVIEW SO IMPORTANT?

Peer review is fundamental to scientific knowledge construction, ensuring the quality and reliability of research in an era of rapid information dissemination and limited content oversight. This became particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the accelerated publication of preprints on platforms such as medRxiv and bioRxiv, while facilitating timely access to emerging data, also contributed to the spread of misinformation and public confusion—a phenomenon referred to as an “infodemic.”

Being part of the peer review process is both a privilege and a responsibility. Researchers are motivated to contribute by not only academic altruism but also the desire to remain informed about emerging knowledge, critically assess relevant topics, and expand their academic networks.⁽⁾

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