How can we ensure that the journal conducts a rapid review process without affecting the quality of the review?

Accelerating peer review while preserving quality is feasible through coordinated editorial strategies that optimize manuscript handling without compromising scholarly rigor. This demands deliberate system design integrating efficiency-focused workflows with robust quality assurance mechanisms. Critical principles include appointing qualified editors for rapid preliminary screening and desk rejection decisions; maintaining a pool of committed, competent reviewers familiar with submission scope; implementing enforceable review deadlines with reminders; employing standardized assessment criteria to enhance objectivity; and utilizing digital platforms to expedite communication. Quality assurance necessitates editorial oversight to verify feedback depth and consistency, alongside clear reviewer guidelines emphasizing thoroughness despite shorter timelines. This approach is particularly suitable for specialized journals with defined scopes and established reviewer networks. Implementation entails a multi-stage process: initial editorial pre-screening for scope and basic quality within days; expedited assignment to relevant reviewers contingent on prompt availability commitment; rigorous peer review adhering to predefined timelines, potentially utilizing partial or staged reports; active editorial monitoring of review quality; and swift communication of decisions post-review. Key value includes reduced time-to-decision, enhancing author satisfaction, submission competitiveness, and facilitating faster dissemination of impactful research, provided scientific integrity remains paramount throughout.