Peer-review is the system used to assess the quality of a manuscript before it is published. Independent researchers in the relevant research area assess submitted manuscripts for originality, validity and significance to help editors determine whether the manuscript should be published in their journal. You can read more about the peer-review process here.
Respiratory Research operates a single-blind peer-review system, where the reviewers are aware of the names and affiliations of the authors, but the reviewer reports provided to authors are anonymous. The benefit of single-blind peer review is that it is the traditional model of peer review that many reviewers are comfortable with, and it facilitates a dispassionate critique of a manuscript.
The reports of at least two reviewers will be considered when deciding on acceptance or rejection of a manuscript. Final decisions rest with the Editors-in-Chief or Handling Editor who aim to provide an initial decision within six weeks. In cases where authors challenge an Editor's negative decision with well founded arguments, the manuscript can be sent to additional reviewers at the discretion of the Handling Editor, and a final decision will be made upon their recommendations. Manuscripts are sent to statisticians at the request of reviewers.