Currently, we are averaging <21 days from receipt to determining status of manuscript with approximately a 20% acceptance rate. If a manuscript is rejected, we will notify authors immediately of the status and there will be no delay in the review process.
However, if based on reviewer feedback, the editor determines either a resubmit or acceptance with changes; the manuscript is immediately electronically sent to the statistical committee composed of 3 persons who will offer their opinion of the statistical analyses within 3 days. It is estimated that the acceptance process will be delayed by no more than 5 days.
The committee will mostly check for soundness of design and statistical methods understanding that analyses differ between statisticians. At this time in the process, we may accept, request revisions or reject the manuscript. Few papers will be rejected at this stage.
Though our process is not perfect, it is a quality control measure that will improve the current review process.