Individual data and information (e.g., obtained through a doctor-patient relationship) must be handled with the utmost confidentiality and discretion. Authors of research articles involving human subjects are required to declare that, when applicable, patient consent has been obtained (or consent from a parent or guardian for children under 16) and that all reasonable measures have been taken to ensure patient confidentiality, including anonymizing any illustrations where possible.

While individuals may consent to participate in a study, they may object to having their data published in a journal article. Authors must ensure that explicit consent for data publication is obtained from participants before submitting their paper to a journal, particularly in the case of case studies.

Written informed consent for publication must be obtained from any identifiable patients, and the consent forms may be requested by the Editor-in-Chief for review.