BOSAD is committed to providing accurate, accessible and responsible information about bone health, injury and fracture care, recovery and musculoskeletal research.
Our editorial policy establishes the principles that guide the preparation, review, publication and maintenance of information across BOSAD’s digital platforms.
1. Our editorial principles
BOSAD’s approach to public information is guided by five principles.
Accuracy
Information must be factually correct, supported by appropriate evidence and presented without exaggeration or distortion. Scientific findings and clinical information should reflect the available knowledge and the context in which that knowledge was developed.
Clarity
Information should be understandable to its intended audience. Technical terminology is explained where necessary, and content is organized to support comprehension without compromising scientific accuracy.
Transparency
The sources and context of scientific information should be identifiable. Research authorship, relevant funding, institutional affiliations and material limitations are communicated in connection with the work to which they relate.
Relevance
Content is developed with consideration for the needs of patients, families, healthcare professionals, educators, researchers and institutions. Its depth and presentation should reflect its educational or scientific purpose.
Responsibility
Information is prepared with consideration for patient safety, privacy, cultural context and the consequences of misunderstanding or inappropriate use.
2. Sources and evidence
BOSAD draws on peer-reviewed research, established clinical guidance, recognized public-health resources and relevant institutional publications.
Sources are evaluated according to their credibility, scientific quality, relevance and suitability for the subject.
Scientific findings are presented with attention to study design, population, setting, methods and limitations. Results from a particular research population are not generalized beyond what the evidence supports.
We distinguish between associations and demonstrated causal relationships, and between established findings, scientific interpretation and areas of uncertainty.
Where evidence is limited, incomplete or evolving, our content reflects those limitations. Educational material is updated when relevant developments warrant a change.
Research records preserve original publication titles, author names, citations, DOI values and source links. Editorial summaries make scientific information more accessible while maintaining the meaning of the original research.
3. Review and publication
BOSAD applies editorial standards appropriate to the type of content, its intended audience and the context in which it will be used.
Health information
Health information is assessed for factual accuracy, clarity, relevance and consistency with supporting evidence.
Clinical considerations include patient safety, the purpose of the material and the distinction between general education and individualized medical advice.
Research records
Study profiles, publication records and research summaries are prepared to represent the original scientific work accurately.
Particular attention is given to the research question, methods, population, setting, results, limitations and supporting sources.
Scientific authorship, publication information and original research identifiers are preserved.
Professional education
Professional resources, learning cases and instructional materials are developed for their stated educational purposes and audiences.
Clinical demonstrations and procedural materials are presented within an appropriate training and supervision context.
Professional educational content supports learning and clinical discussion but does not replace professional competence, applicable clinical protocols or individualized clinical judgment.
Editorial and clinical responsibilities
Editorial review addresses clarity, consistency, source integrity, presentation and adherence to BOSAD’s publishing standards.
Clinical review addresses medical accuracy, safety and the appropriateness of health-related information for its intended use.
The nature and extent of review depend on the content and its purpose.
4. Language and accessibility
BOSAD provides information in English and Amharic to support access for different audiences.
Translations should communicate the meaning of the original content accurately while using natural expressions and appropriate terminology in the target language.
Clinical and scientific terminology requires particular attention to avoid changes in meaning.
Original scientific titles, author names, citations, DOI values and other research identifiers are preserved in their source language where appropriate.
Language versions are maintained with attention to accuracy, consistency and the needs of their intended audiences.
BOSAD also aims to provide accessible digital content through readable typography, clear navigation, meaningful links, keyboard accessibility and appropriate alternatives for visual and audiovisual information.
5. Editorial independence and transparency
BOSAD’s scientific and educational content is guided by relevant evidence, professional judgment and its public-health and educational objectives.
Funding, authorship, institutional affiliations and other relevant contributions are documented in connection with the associated research or activity.
Financial support and institutional participation do not determine how scientific findings are interpreted or how health information is presented.
The Funding & Relationships page provides information about the organizations and institutions associated with BOSAD’s work.
6. Updates and corrections
BOSAD maintains its published information to support accuracy, clarity and continued relevance.
Content may be revised to correct errors, improve explanations, update supporting references or reflect developments in scientific evidence and clinical guidance.
Minor corrections
Minor corrections include spelling, formatting, broken links and clarifications that do not materially change the meaning of the information.
Substantive updates
Substantive updates include changes affecting factual meaning, scientific evidence, clinical interpretation, safety information or important supporting sources.
Material changes are accompanied by an appropriate update or correction notice when necessary to preserve transparency and help readers understand the revised information.
Reporting a concern
Readers are encouraged to report information that appears inaccurate, unclear, outdated or potentially misleading.
Reports can be submitted through BOSAD’s Contact page, together with relevant supporting information where available.
Concerns are considered according to their nature and the information affected, and appropriate corrections are made when necessary.
7. Images, privacy and responsible representation
BOSAD uses images, illustrations and audiovisual materials to support education, research communication and public understanding.
Visual materials should be relevant to their accompanying content and used in a way that respects the privacy, dignity and rights of the people represented.
Illustrative imagery should not create a misleading impression that the individuals shown are actual patients, study participants or members of a particular research team.
Identifiable clinical or personal information must be handled with appropriate authorization and privacy safeguards.
Information submitted through BOSAD’s digital platforms is handled in accordance with the website’s Privacy Policy.
8. Educational and clinical boundaries
BOSAD’s public health information is intended to support education, awareness and informed discussions about health.
It does not establish an individual diagnosis or treatment plan and is not a substitute for assessment and care by a qualified healthcare professional.
Information about injury care, rehabilitation, clinical procedures and health conditions should be interpreted in the context of each person’s circumstances and the advice of the healthcare professionals responsible for their care.
Professional-learning resources, including procedural videos and clinical demonstrations, are intended for their stated audiences and should be used within appropriate training and supervision arrangements.
Anyone experiencing a medical emergency should seek immediate assistance through an appropriate local emergency service or healthcare facility.
Contact
For questions about BOSAD’s editorial standards, published information or correction procedures, please contact us.