Policy on the Use of Generative AI in Manuscript Preparation

1. Introduction 

The International Journal of Medical Justice (IJMJ) recognizes the growing role of generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in academic writing. To ensure transparency, integrity, and accountability, IJMJ has established the following guidelines for the use of generative AI in manuscript preparation. 

2. Disclosure Requirements 

Authors must disclose the use of generative AI tools (e.g., large language models, chatbots, image generation tools) in the preparation of their manuscripts. This disclosure should be included in both the cover letter and a dedicated section within the manuscript. The disclosure must specify the AI tools used, the extent of their use, and the specific content generated by these tools. 

• Mandatory Disclosure: Require authors to disclose the use of AI tools in their research and manuscript preparation. This includes specifying the type of AI used and the extent of its contribution. 

• Clear Labelling: Ensure that any AI-generated content is clearly labelled as such, to maintain transparency with readers. 

3. Authorship and Accountability 

Generative AI tools cannot be listed as authors or co-authors. Authors are fully responsible for the content generated by AI tools, including its accuracy, originality, and compliance with ethical standards. Authors must ensure that AI-generated content does not contain plagiarism and is properly cited. 

• Author Accountability: Hold authors accountable for the content generated by AI tools. Authors should verify the accuracy and integrity of AI-generated content before submission. 

• AI Accountability: Develop mechanisms to trace and audit the decision-making processes of AI tools used in research. 

• Bias Mitigation: Implement guidelines to identify and mitigate biases in AI-generated content. This includes training AI models on diverse datasets to reduce the risk of biased outputs. 

·        Fairness Audits: Regularly audit AI tools for fairness and equity, ensuring they do not perpetuate or amplify existing biases

4. Ethical Considerations 

Authors must ensure that the use of generative AI does not compromise the ethical standards of the journal. This includes maintaining the confidentiality of sensitive information and avoiding the generation of misleading or false information. 

• Ethics Committees: Establish or expand ethics committees to review the use of AI in submitted manuscripts. These committees can assess the ethical implications and ensure compliance with established guidelines. 

• Regular Audits: Conduct regular audits of published articles to ensure ongoing compliance with AI usage policies. 

5. Review Process 

Reviewers are advised against uploading manuscripts to AI platforms that cannot guarantee confidentiality. Reviewers must disclose any use of AI tools in the evaluation of manuscripts or the drafting of reviewer comments. 

6. Compliance and Enforcement 

Failure to disclose the use of generative AI tools or to adhere to these guidelines may result in the rejection of the manuscript or retraction of the published article. IJMJ reserves the right to take appropriate action in cases of non-compliance. 

Generative AI has the potential to significantly impact medical writing, offering both benefits and risks. Here are some key points to consider: 

7. Benefits 

1. Efficiency and Speed: Generative AI can process large volumes of data quickly, helping to draft documents faster than traditional methods. This can be particularly useful for time-sensitive tasks like clinical trial reports. 

2. Consistency and Accuracy: AI can help maintain consistency in terminology and style across documents, reducing the likelihood of human error. 

3. Data Analysis: AI tools can analyse complex datasets and generate summaries, making it easier to interpret and present research findings. 

4. Cost-Effectiveness: By automating parts of the writing process, generative AI can reduce the time and resources needed for document preparation. 

5. Customization: AI can tailor content to specific audiences, such as customizing patient education materials to be more understandable for non-specialists. 

8. Risks 

1. Ethical Concerns: The use of AI raises ethical issues, including data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the accountability of AI-generated content. 

2. Quality Control: While AI can draft documents quickly, the quality of the content may vary. Human oversight is essential to ensure accuracy and relevance. 

3. Plagiarism: There is a risk that AI-generated content could inadvertently include plagiarized material, which could compromise the integrity of the manuscript. 

4. Dependence on Technology: Over-reliance on AI tools may lead to a decline in critical thinking and writing skills among medical professionals. 

5. Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring that AI-generated content meets all regulatory requirements can be challenging, requiring thorough review and validation. 

9. Data Protection: Ensure that AI tools comply with data protection regulations, safeguarding the privacy and confidentiality of sensitive information . 

·        Secure Platforms: Use secure platforms for AI processing to prevent unauthorized access and data breaches

• Develop Guidelines: Create detailed ethical guidelines for the use of AI in research and manuscript preparation. These guidelines should be regularly updated to reflect advancements in AI technology and ethical standards. 

• Policy Enforcement: Enforce these guidelines through clear policies and consequences for non-compliance, such as manuscript rejection or retraction.

10. Conclusion 

The IJMJ is committed to fostering innovation while upholding the highest standards of academic integrity. These guidelines aim to balance the benefits of generative AI with the need for transparency and ethical responsibility in scholarly publishing. Balancing benefits and risks are crucial for the responsible use of generative AI in medical writing. Journals can address the ethical concerns related to AI use by implementing comprehensive guidelines and policies. Here are some strategies. By adopting these strategies, journals can address the ethical concerns related to AI use and ensure the integrity and trustworthiness of published research

Correspondence:

Dr Imran Sabri

Editor-in-Chief/Editor

International Journal of Medical Justice

Email: imransabri@gmail.com

Address:

G-1, Ground Floor, City Center, Medical Road,

Aligarh 202002 India    

E-Mail:

editor@ijmj.net [Journal]

editor.ijmj@gmail.com,[Editor]

glafims@gmail.com  [GLAFIMS ACADEMY]

Website of Journal: www.ijmj.net

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Live Membership:    www.glafims.com

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