HEART is committed to maintaining high standards of quality and scientific integrity in every publication. Therefore, all submitted manuscripts will go through a rigorous, anonymous, and independent peer review process. We implement a “Double-Blind Peer Review” system, which means that neither the identity of the authors nor the reviewers will be disclosed during the evaluation process.

Stages of the Peer Review Process

1. Manuscript Submission

Authors submit the manuscript through HEART’s online submission system, ensuring that all journal requirements (format, ethics, originality) have been met.

2. Editorial Initial Check

The Chief Editor or Section Editor will conduct an initial screening to ensure that the manuscript fits the scope of HEART, meets ethical standards of publication, and follows formatting guidelines. Manuscripts that do not meet these basic criteria may be rejected immediately without peer review.

3. Reviewer Assignment

If the manuscript passes the initial screening, the Editor assigns at least two (2) independent reviewers who are experts in relevant fields. Reviewers are selected based on expertise, publication track record, and absence of conflict of interest.

4. Review Process

The reviewers will comprehensively evaluate the manuscript based on:

• Originality & Contribution – Novelty and added value of the research.
• Significance – Relevance and impact on community service practices.
• Methodology – Appropriateness and rigor of methods used.
• Results & Discussion – Clarity of presentation, analysis, and interpretation.
• Structure & Language – Organization, coherence, and readability.
• References – Use of relevant, up-to-date literature.

Reviewers provide recommendations to the Editor: Accepted, Major Revision, Minor Revision, or Rejected.

5. Editorial Decision

Based on reviewers’ reports, the Editor makes the final decision. Authors are notified along with anonymous reviewer feedback.

• Accepted: Ready for publication.
• Major Revisions: Requires significant changes; resubmission for review.
• Minor Revisions: Small changes; may not require re-review.
• Rejected: Not suitable for publication in HEART

6. Author Revisions

For manuscripts requiring revisions, authors must resubmit a revised manuscript along with a response letter detailing how each reviewer’s comment was addressed.

7. Final Acceptance & Publication

Once revisions are approved and the Editor is satisfied, the manuscript is accepted and enters the production stage (layout, proofreading) before being published in the next issue of HEART

HEART upholds objectivity, fairness, and confidentiality throughout the peer review process and deeply appreciates the reviewers for their time and dedication in maintaining the quality of this journal.