Post-Publication Corrections and Retractions in an International Nursing Journal: A Case Analysis Based on Research Ethics Guidelines
Purpose: This study analyzed post-publication corrections and retractions in an international nursing journal to reaffirm research ethics guidelines through representative cases. Methods: A case analysis was conducted on all Erratum, Corrigendum, and Retraction notices published in the journal from January 2021 to December 2025. Each notice was compared with its original article, and cases were inductively classified into six categories through independent coding and cross-review. Frequencies were calculated with multiple counting of reasons, and representative cases were qualitatively reviewed against the KIRD standard curriculum and COPE guidelines. Results: Twenty-nine notices were issued, while 826 research and review articles were published over the same period. Corrigenda accounted for 25 (86.2%), Errata for 3 (10.3%), and Retractions for 1 (3.4%). The most common corrigenda involved author and administrative information (44.0%) and data entry errors (40.0%). Most corrections resulted from carelessness in recording and verification rather than misconduct, whereas the single retraction involved discrepancies between the registered protocol and the published trial. Conclusion: Responsible self-correction through prompt acknowledgment, transparent disclosure, and formal correction is essential for research integrity. To prevent errors, systematic self-checking by authors before submission, verification of trial registration during peer review and editing, and practice-oriented research ethics education are recommended.