Artificial Intelligence Policy

Policy on Artificial Intelligence and Automated Tools

This policy applies to generative artificial intelligence, large language models, automated writing or translation tools, image generators, and other systems that create or materially transform scholarly content.

Authors

• AI tools cannot be listed as authors because they cannot accept responsibility, approve publication, disclose conflicts, or be accountable.
• Authors must disclose material AI-assisted use in the manuscript, including the tool, version, purpose, and human verification performed.
• Authors remain fully responsible for accuracy, originality, citations, permissions, confidentiality, and compliance with ethics and reporting standards.
• Identifiable patient information, confidential files, copyrighted manuscripts, or protected data must not be entered into external AI systems without lawful authorization and adequate safeguards.
• AI-generated or materially manipulated images are not permitted unless they form part of a transparent, reproducible research method and are clearly labelled.

Reviewers and Editors

Reviewers and editors must not upload manuscripts, figures, correspondence, or unpublished findings to generative AI services. They may not delegate evaluation or editorial decisions to automated tools. Any permitted administrative assistance must preserve confidentiality, data protection, and human accountability.

Undisclosed or Misleading Use

The journal may request clarification, correction, underlying files, or disclosure. Misleading, fabricated, plagiarized, or confidentiality-breaching use may result in rejection, correction, retraction, or referral under the Publication Ethics policy.