KEY TAKEAWAYS

• ISMPP sets out its position on the use of AI in medical publications and communications, recognising its potential value but also highlighting the need for human oversight and responsible use.
• ISMPP calls on its members to improve their own AI literacy and engage in discussions around AI.

As the development and use of artificial intelligence (AI) progress at seemingly exponential rates, the medical publishing community has been evaluating both the potential benefits and pitfalls. Now, the International Society for Medical Publication Professionals (ISMPP) has  issued a position statement, published in Current Medical Research and Opinion, that aims to “illuminate the inherent value of AI and to establish best practices”.

The statement, developed by the ISMPP AI Task Force, provides medical publication and communication professionals with 11 key recommendations for the appropriate use of AI. These include:

• appropriate disclosure
• maintaining confidentiality
• data transparency
• eliminating bias
• and educating and addressing misconceptions around AI.

Chief among the recommendations is the continued responsibility and accountability of medical publishing professionals, even when AI is used: “All AI outputs must be subjected to human oversight and verification to ensure accuracy and prevent the dissemination of misinformation or disinformation”.

“All AI outputs must be subjected to human oversight and verification to ensure accuracy and prevent the dissemination of misinformation or disinformation”.

ISMPP also issued a direct call to action to its members, emphasising their role in ensuring the effective and safe use of AI. Members are encouraged to:

• improve their AI literacy
• use AI responsibly and in line with other guidance on medical publications
• and engage in broader policy discussions around the use of AI.

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