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September 4, 2024
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is poised to revolutionize the landscape of scientific publications, according to recent insights from Howard Bauchner, MD, former editor-in-chief of the Journal of the American Medical Association. In a guest editorial for the European Journal of Emergency Medicine, Bauchner delves into how AI will increasingly influence the fields of peer-review and manuscript drafting, promising both efficiency and enhanced impact.
As AI continues to evolve, its applications in medicine are expanding rapidly. From evaluating medical images and reports to assisting in diagnostic processes and drafting discharge summaries, AI is already making its mark. Its potential extends to the realm of scientific publications, where it is expected to play a crucial role in streamlining the review process and manuscript preparation.
Bauchner highlights the potential of AI to transform how scientific manuscripts are written and evaluated. “In the coming years, AI will significantly alter the landscape of scientific writing and peer-review,” Bauchner asserts. “AI could assist editors in selecting impactful papers, potentially increasing the influence of their journals.”
One of the key areas where AI could make a difference is in the peer-review process. Identifying qualified reviewers has become increasingly challenging. Bauchner suggests that AI could provide an initial ‘score’ for manuscripts, which would help editors prioritize which articles should undergo external review. This preliminary assessment could streamline the review process, allowing editors to focus their efforts on high-potential manuscripts.
Moreover, Bauchner addresses the potential for AI to predict citation rates, a factor that influences a journal’s impact factor. He proposes that while AI-generated predictions could offer valuable insights, editors must first establish their journal’s mission and scope before relying on such predictions. “Editors should consider how value-added pieces enhance the journal’s worth and maximize its reach, particularly through social media,” Bauchner advises.
He emphasizes that AI will not replace the roles of editors or peer-reviewers but will serve as a tool to provide additional insights into manuscript quality. This, in turn, could make the process of triaging manuscripts faster and more objective.
As AI becomes more integrated into scientific publication processes, Bauchner encourages researchers, peer-reviewers, editors, and funders to embrace the technology. “AI will play an increasingly important role in scientific publication, especially in peer-review and manuscript drafting. The assistance AI provides can help address critical challenges in these areas,” he concludes.
For further details, refer to Howard Bauchner’s editorial, “Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Scientific Publication,” published in the European Journal of Emergency Medicine (2024). DOI: 10.1097/MEJ.0000000000001164.
