Abstract
Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) is enhancing otorhinolaryngology research by improving data analysis, systematic reviews, and clinical applications. However, the use of AI in research practice raises concerns regarding transparency, ethical use, and reproducibility when compared to human authorship. This study evaluates how leading otorhinolaryngology journals address these challenges and opportunities through their specific author instructions and policies regarding AI use in content generation, image generation, proofreading, and other relevant tasks.
Methods: A cross-sectional review of the top 100 peer-reviewed otorhinolaryngology journals ranked by the 2023 SCImago SJR indicator was conducted. Data were extracted from each journal’s “Instructions for Authors” to evaluate AI-related policies, including AI-specific reporting guidelines, authorship criteria, and the use of AI in manuscript preparation and image generation. Correlational analyses were performed to explore the relationship between AI policies and journal characteristics.
Results: Of the 100 journals evaluated, 54% addressed AI use in their instructions, with 52% prohibiting AI authorship while requiring disclosure of AI involvement in submissions. No journals discussed adherence to an AI-specific reporting guideline, despite 82% of journals reporting adherence to ICMJE guidelines. AI-generated content was allowed by 24% of journals, while 10% approved of AI-generated images. Journals with higher impact factors were more likely to include detailed AI policies, but significant gaps in standardization and guidance remain.
Conclusion: While many otorhinolaryngology journals recognize AI’s role in research, few endorse AIspecific research guidelines, limiting the standardization and transparency of AI use. While many journals allow for the use of AI for the purpose of proofreading, most require the disclosure of AI use, regardless of its purpose in the research process. Moreover, most journals failed to address AI policies in any capacity, potentially leading to unregulated and undisclosed use within the field of otorhinolaryngology research. We recommend the adoption of comprehensive guidelines to ensure ethical, reproducible, and high-quality research in an age of continued AI developments.
Methods: A cross-sectional review of the top 100 peer-reviewed otorhinolaryngology journals ranked by the 2023 SCImago SJR indicator was conducted. Data were extracted from each journal’s “Instructions for Authors” to evaluate AI-related policies, including AI-specific reporting guidelines, authorship criteria, and the use of AI in manuscript preparation and image generation. Correlational analyses were performed to explore the relationship between AI policies and journal characteristics.
Results: Of the 100 journals evaluated, 54% addressed AI use in their instructions, with 52% prohibiting AI authorship while requiring disclosure of AI involvement in submissions. No journals discussed adherence to an AI-specific reporting guideline, despite 82% of journals reporting adherence to ICMJE guidelines. AI-generated content was allowed by 24% of journals, while 10% approved of AI-generated images. Journals with higher impact factors were more likely to include detailed AI policies, but significant gaps in standardization and guidance remain.
Conclusion: While many otorhinolaryngology journals recognize AI’s role in research, few endorse AIspecific research guidelines, limiting the standardization and transparency of AI use. While many journals allow for the use of AI for the purpose of proofreading, most require the disclosure of AI use, regardless of its purpose in the research process. Moreover, most journals failed to address AI policies in any capacity, potentially leading to unregulated and undisclosed use within the field of otorhinolaryngology research. We recommend the adoption of comprehensive guidelines to ensure ethical, reproducible, and high-quality research in an age of continued AI developments.
| Original language | American English |
|---|---|
| State | Published - 14 Feb 2025 |
| Event | Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences Research Week 2025 - Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, United States Duration: 10 Feb 2025 → 14 Feb 2025 https://medicine.okstate.edu/research/research_days.html |
Conference
| Conference | Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences Research Week 2025 |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | United States |
| City | Tulsa |
| Period | 10/02/25 → 14/02/25 |
| Internet address |
Keywords
- Artificial Intelligence
- reporting guidelines
- authorship
- transparency
- otorhinolaryngology