Use of Artificial Intelligence

Recent significant advances in large language models (sophisticated generative Artificial Intelligence algorithms—AI—trained on massive amounts of language data) have led to widely available writing tools, such as OpenAI’s popular chatbot, ChatGPT, which can analyze text and produce new content in response to user prompts. This technology has important and immediate implications for academics writing articles and for journals publishing them.

Large language models possess a powerful capability to search and repackage information from their training dataset into a wide variety of formats and styles that users can specify. They can be used to generate ideas and outlines for academic manuscripts, or even the full text of articles. Because contemporary AI tools can be remarkably well-trained to mimic human speech and writing styles, their outputs can closely resemble those of a human author and convey impressions of accuracy, authority, and emotional connection.

Requirements for reporting AI-assisted technology use (based on recommendations from the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors):

  • Upon article submission, the Electronic Medical Journal (RME) requires authors to disclose any use of AI-assisted technologies in any aspect of the submitted work’s creation.

  • Authors must describe the nature of such use in the WAME Manuscript Checklist as well as in the manuscript itself.

  • Artificial Intelligence and AI-assisted technologies must not be listed as author or co-author of a manuscript.

  • Artificial Intelligence and AI-assisted technologies must not be cited as reference or other primary source or as author of a reference.

  • Human authors are responsible for any submitted material that includes AI-assisted technology use, including its correctness, integrity, and accuracy.

  • Authors must be able to affirm there is no plagiarism in the article, including text and images produced by AI-assisted technologies, and must ensure proper attribution of all material, including complete citations where appropriate.

  • Peer reviewers must not upload RME manuscripts to AI software or other AI technologies where confidentiality cannot be guaranteed.

  • Although AI-assisted technologies may be used ensuring manuscript confidentiality, reviewers who decide to employ these tools to facilitate their evaluation must inform the Electronic Medical Journal of such use and its nature. Reviewers are also responsible for ensuring all AI-generated information and content incorporated into their comments are correct, complete, and unbiased.

Authors will be informed that during the evaluation process of the manuscript submitted to the Electronic Medical Journal, Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be employed as support in technical aspects of the review, such as writing analysis, textual coherence, and compliance with formal standards. These tools will be used solely for editorial purposes, under strict confidentiality, and without external access to study data. It is clarified that all final scientific, methodological, and editorial decisions will be the exclusive responsibility of the Editorial Committee and assigned reviewers