AI Policy

1. Introduction and Scope

The Journal of Interdisciplinary Research in Allied Health and Pharmacy (JIRAP) acknowledges the emerging role of artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted technologies (such as Large Language Models, chatbots, or image creators) in the research and writing process. As a journal that adheres to the guidelines on ethics and authorship from the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) and the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), this policy outlines the mandatory requirements for the transparent and responsible use of these tools.

2. Core Principle: Human Responsibility and Accountability

Consistent with the COPE position statement (February 2023), JIRAP mandates that humans are solely responsible for any submitted material that includes the use of AI-assisted technologies.

  • No AI Authorship:AI tools, such as chatbots (e.g., ChatGPT), must not be listed as an author or co-author. Authorship entails responsibilities for the work's accuracy, integrity, and originality that can only be undertaken by humans. This includes the ability to approve the final version of the work and to be accountable for all aspects of it.
  • Critical Oversight is Mandatory:Authors must carefully review and edit all AI-generated output. AI can produce authoritative-sounding text that is incorrect, incomplete, or biased. The final manuscript must represent the authors' own intellectual contribution, analysis, and interpretation.
  • Plagiarism and Attribution:Authors must be able to assert that there is no plagiarism in their paper, including in text and images produced by the AI. Humans are responsible for ensuring appropriate attribution and full citations for all quoted material.

3. Mandatory Disclosure and Transparency

To maintain transparency and trust, authors must disclose the use of AI-assisted technologies at submission.

  • Cover Letter:The use of AI must be declared in the cover letter.
  • Manuscript Statement:A dedicated "Statement on AI-Assisted Technology Use" must be included in the manuscript, before the References section. This statement must describe:
    • The name and version of the AI tool(s) used.
    • The specific purpose of its use (e.g., "for language polishing," "to assist in literature synthesis for the introduction," "for initial data organization").
    • A affirmation of human oversight (e.g., "The authors critically reviewed and edited the output and take full responsibility for the content of this work.").

Example Statement:

"During the preparation of this work, the author(s) used [Tool Name, Version] to [state purpose]. After using this tool/service, the author(s) reviewed and edited the content as needed and take full responsibility for the content of the publication."

Note: Basic tools for grammar, spelling, and reference management checks do not require a declaration.

4. Permissible and Prohibited Uses

  1. Permissible Uses in Text Preparation (with Disclosure):
    AI tools may be used to assist with tasks such as:
  • Improving language, readability, and grammar.
  • Synthesizing background literature or generating an initial outline.
  • Identifying research gaps.
  1. Strictly Prohibited Uses:
  • AI-Generated Images and Figures:The use of generative AI to create, alter, or enhance figures, images, artwork, or graphical abstracts is prohibited. This includes enhancing, obscuring, moving, removing, or introducing specific features that could misrepresent data. Standard adjustments to brightness, contrast, or color balance are acceptable if they do not obscure the original information.
  • AI as a Cited Author:AI should not be cited as an author in the reference list.

5. AI in the Research Methodology

If an AI tool was an integral part of the research design or methods (e.g., a machine learning model for data analysis or an AI-assisted imaging technique), this must be described in a reproducible manner in the Methods section. The description should include the tool's name, version, manufacturer, and a clear, detailed explanation of its application.