Use of Generative AI policy

This policy explains how authors, reviewers and editors may use generative artificial intelligence (AI) and other automated tools. It follows the COPE position on authorship and AI tools and the ICMJE Recommendations.

1. Authors

• Responsibility. Authors are fully responsible for the content, accuracy and integrity of their manuscript, including any part produced with the help of AI tools. They must check every AI output for errors, bias and fabricated content.
• Authorship. AI tools, including large language models, cannot be listed as authors, because they cannot take responsibility for the work or approve the final version.
• Disclosure. Any use of generative AI beyond basic correction of grammar, spelling and formatting must be disclosed in a statement placed after the Acknowledgements and before the References. The statement must name the tool and its version, describe what it was used for, and confirm that the authors reviewed and edited the output.
• Citation. Generative AI tools cannot be cited as a source or reference. Every reference must be checked against the original publication, because AI tools can produce references that do not exist.
• Data and images. AI must not be used to create, alter or falsify research data or images. AI use that forms part of the research method must be described in the Methods section.

2. Reviewers

• Reviewers must not upload a manuscript, or any part of it, to a generative AI tool, as this breaks confidentiality.
• Reviewers must not use generative AI to write or assess their review. The scientific judgement in a review must be the reviewer's own. Language editing of the reviewer's own text is acceptable if disclosed to the editor.

3. Editors

• Editors must not upload manuscripts or reviewer reports to generative AI tools and must not use such tools to make editorial decisions or write assessments.

4. The journal's own use of automated tools

• JOMS screens every submission for text similarity with Turnitin. The similarity report is always read and interpreted by an editor, and no manuscript is rejected on the basis of a software score alone.
• If JOMS starts using any other automated tool in its editorial process, such as tools to detect image manipulation or undisclosed AI use, it will state this on this page, and all results will be checked by an editor before any action is taken.

5. Breaches of this policy

Undisclosed or inappropriate use of AI is handled under the Publication Ethics policy and the COPE flowcharts, and may lead to rejection, correction or retraction.