Clinical Data, Images, Specimens and Permissions

Authors must have lawful authority to use clinical records, registries, specimens, images, questionnaires, instruments and third-party datasets. Report the source, selection, access conditions and relevant licences or permissions.

Protect patient and participant confidentiality. Remove unnecessary identifiers, apply secure data handling and avoid combinations of details that enable recognition. Image alteration must not mislead; adjustments and composites should be described transparently.