The Journal of Healthcare Simulation (JOHS) recognizes the growing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in academic publishing and healthcare education. While AI tools can assist in various aspects of manuscript preparation, editing, and review, the journal prioritizes ethical transparency, originality, and accountability. This policy outlines the acceptable use of AI in contributions to JOHS.
1.1 Disclosure of AI Use
Authors must disclose any use of AI tools (e.g., language models, data analysis software, image generation) in their manuscript, including drafting, editing, data processing, or creating visual content. This should be stated in the acknowledgments or methods section, specifying the tools used and their purpose.
1.2 Prohibited Uses
AI tools must not be used to:
Fabricate or manipulate data.
Generate text without proper oversight or editing by the authors.
Substitute for the authors' intellectual contributions or responsibilities.
1.3 Accountability
Authors are fully responsible for the accuracy, originality, and ethical integrity of their submissions, regardless of AI involvement.
2.1 AI Assistance in Review
Editors and reviewers may use AI tools to assist with tasks such as grammar checks or summarizing manuscripts. However, AI should not replace critical judgment in evaluating the scientific quality, originality, or relevance of submissions.
2.2 Disclosure of AI Use
If AI tools are used during the editorial or review process, their use should be disclosed to the Editor-in-Chief or Associate Editor, particularly if they influence decisions or recommendations.
3.1 AI as a Tool, Not a Co-Author
AI tools may be acknowledged as aids in the research or writing process, but they cannot be credited as authors. Authorship requires human intellectual contribution, accountability, and responsibility.
3.2 Plagiarism and Attribution
AI-generated text or content must be treated with the same standards as human-generated work. Authors must ensure that all AI-assisted content complies with the journal's plagiarism policies and is appropriately attributed. The journal uses various methods to screen for plagiarism, including the use of AI generated text.
4.1 Data and Privacy
AI tools must not be used in ways that compromise patient confidentiality, violate data protection laws, or misuse proprietary data. Authors are required to ensure that AI use adheres to ethical standards.
4.2 Bias and Integrity
The use of AI in research must account for potential biases in algorithms or data sets. Authors should address these limitations explicitly in their manuscripts.
Failure to disclose AI use or adherence to this policy may result in rejection of the manuscript, retraction of published articles, or other corrective actions in line with COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics) guidelines.
The journal recognizes that AI is an evolving field, and this policy will be periodically reviewed and updated to reflect advancements in technology and publishing practices.