Dual publication

Dual publication occurs when two or more papers, without full cross reference, share the same hypothesis, data, discussion points or conclusions.

All HTA-funded research is published in the HTA journal series. The HTA Editorial Board considers that publication of HTA research, necessarily in briefer format, in specialist and general journals is important for the dissemination and uptake of research findings and therefore encourages grant holders to seek such publication.

Although such dual publication may cause concerns for other journal editors, many would agree that the HTA journal and other peer-review journal articles are very different products and that publication is acceptable. However, it is very important that authors recognise their responsibility to disclose details of the HTA journal publication at the time manuscripts are submitted to journals.

It is also important that authors advise us of all publications and outputs at the same time as they are submitted for publication, or at least 28 days before the date intended for publication. This allows us to handle any dual publication issues.

Although we would always prefer to avoid undue delays in making research findings available to the NHS, if a journal editor is particularly concerned about dual publication we are prepared to consider delaying publication in the HTA journal series. However, the editors of the HTA journal series expect to negotiate such arrangements directly with the medical journal editor.

Our policy on dual publication sets out what we expect of authors regarding publication in other journals.

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