Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) Usage Policy

The International Journal of Care Scholars (IJCS) acknowledge that generative artificial intelligence (GenAI), particularly those based on Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, has become an important tool in scholarly writing. Thus, IJCS will consider content where AI technology is utilized.

For authors:

           a) The Use of GenAI for Manuscript Writing

Should authors opt to employ generative AI and AI-assisted technologies in their writing process, they should do so solely to improve the readability and language of their work. The utilization of these technologies must be overseen and managed by humans, and authors are required to meticulously revise, review and edit the output due to potential for error, incompleteness, inaccuracy or bias. Ultimately, authors bear the responsibility and are held accountable for the accuracy, appropriate attribution of sources and absence of plagiarism in their work’s content.

Authors should refrain from listing AI and AI-assisted technologies as authors or co-authors, or citing AI as an author. Authorship entails tasks and responsibilities uniquely human, as authors are ultimately accountable for the work. Furthermore, the use of AI and AI-assisted technologies does not ensure the security and privacy of confidential information. However, this policy does not extend to basic tools such as grammar and spelling checkers, citation software and plagiarism detectors. Therefore, these tools do not require disclosure or citation in manuscripts submitted to journals.

In order to disclose the use of generative AI and AI-assisted technologies in the drafting and writing process, authors are required to include a statement at the conclusion of their manuscript within a new section titled “Declaration of Generative AI and AI-assisted Technologies in the Writing Process’, positioned before the References list.

Example of Declaration of Generative AI and AI-assisted Technologies in the Writing Process:

“During the preparation of this manuscript, the author(s) employed [NAME OF THE GENERATIVE AI AND AI-ASSISTED TECHNOLOGIES] for [REASON, e.g.  drafting introduction section] and performed [TASK OF THE TECHNOLOGY, e.g. introduction for knowledge and attitude for breast cancer examination]. Following the use of the generative AI and AI-assisted technologies, the author(s) meticulously reviewed and edited the content as required, assuming full responsibility for the publication’s content."

           b) The Use of Gen AI in Figures, Images and Artwork

Any GenAI tools cannot be used to create or alter figures, images, or artwork unless they are part of the research methods, which must be fully disclosed. In addition, author also must clearly disclose if GenAI tools such as image generators, figure enhancers or AI-based artwork tools were used in the creation or modification of any figures, images, or artwork.Disclosure should be included in the manuscript under the Methods section. Authors may be asked to provide raw images for editorial review.

AI-generated images, figures, or artwork must not be used to present or alter original research data, including microscopy images, clinical scans and laboratory results. However, adjustments to brightness or contrast are acceptable if they do not obscure original information.

Graphical abstracts and artwork using AI are not permitted, except in cases such as cover art, where prior approval from the editor and publisher is required. Despite that, acceptable uses include illustrative purposes, conceptual diagrams, or graphical abstracts, provided they are clearly labelled as AI-assisted Proper attribution and clearance of rights must be ensured.

Authors are fully responsible for ensuring that any AI-generated or AI-modified content is accurate, does not misrepresent research data, and adheres to ethical standards. Additionally, authors must ensure that the use of GenAI tools does not infringe upon copyright, licensing, or third-party rights.

The editorial team reserves the right to request original data, source files, or additional clarifications where AI use is suspected but not disclosed. Fabricated, misleading AI-generated images and failure to disclose AI involvement may lead to rejection, correction, or retraction of the article.

For Reviewers:

It is the responsibility of the reviewers in ensuring that the peer review reports and editorial decision letters must be the product of the reviewer’s or editor’s own critical thinking, assessment and evaluation. GenAI tools cannot be used to generate, draft, summarize, or evaluate manuscripts. However, reviewers may use GenAI tools to support minor tasks such as checking grammar or clarity in their own review reports, provided no manuscript content is shared.

Manuscripts under review are strictly confidential, in such, reviewers must not upload any part of a manuscript including text, figures, tables, or data into GenAI platforms, as this may compromise confidentiality and to safeguard intellectual property. Moreover, if a reviewer uses GenAI tools in preparing their review report, this use must be declared to the editorial team to ensure transparency.

Reviewers who accept a manuscript for review are obliged to follow these guidelines and confirm that they will not use generative AI to write or assist with the review. Any breach of these guidelines may result in removal from the reviewer pool, and the editorial team may report the breach to the reviewer’s institution or relevant authorities, depending on its severity. The editorial team appreciates the reviewers’ commitment to upholding the highest standards of academic integrity.

For Editors:

Manuscripts and related materials handled by editors are strictly confidential. Editors must not upload any manuscript content, author information, or peer review reports into GenAI platforms. Editorial decisions must be based on independent academic judgment, peer review and journal policies. Any GenAI tools must not be used to make or replace editorial decisions on manuscript suitability, acceptance, or rejection.

Editors may use GenAI tools for minor, non-decision-making tasks such as improving the clarity of editorial communications such as emails or notices to authors, provided no confidential manuscript content is shared. If GenAI tools are used in preparing non-confidential editorial content, for examples public announcements and website text, such use must be overseen and verified by the editorial team for accuracy and appropriateness.

Editors are responsible for ensuring that any suspected undisclosed use of GenAI in submitted manuscripts is investigated in line with COPE guidelines. Editors must ensure that all AI-related policies for authors and reviewers are consistently enforced.