How to ethically use AI in medical content creation

Balancing innovation with integrity in the age of artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming medical content creation. From literature summarisation to tone adjustment and structural edits, AI-powered tools can boost productivity and help medical writers explore ideas more efficiently. But with this power comes responsibility. When dealing with health-related content, where accuracy, ethics, and trust are paramount, it is critical to ensure that AI is used thoughtfully and transparently.

At KMG Communications, we embrace innovation, but we also know that AI is no substitute for critical thinking, evidence-based judgment, and professional integrity.

Here's our 7-step guide to help medical writers use AI ethically in medical content creation.

1. Use AI as a support tool, not a final drafter

AI is best used to support the writing process—not to generate final, client-ready material. It can help with:

• Overcoming writer’s block
• Rewording or restructuring existing content
• Generating draft outlines or prompts
• Exploring tone or voice options

But it should never be the sole creator of a final document, especially in the medical field. AI can’t truly assess clinical nuance, regulatory requirements, or the appropriateness of content for specific patient or professional audiences. Final drafts must always be shaped and reviewed by qualified human professionals.

2. Never rely on AI for factual accuracy

AI tools can "hallucinate”, in other words, confidently generate inaccurate or fabricated content. In medicine, this could mean misrepresenting research findings, suggesting inappropriate treatments, or citing non-existent studies.

To use AI ethically:

• Treat any AI-generated content as a draft, not a reference
• Cross-check all facts with trusted sources (e.g., PubMed, clinical guidelines, regulatory documents)
• Avoid using AI to interpret or summarise new research without verifying against the original research sources

Accuracy in medical writing isn’t negotiable. Human expertise must always validate the content.

3. Protect patient confidentiality and proprietary data

Ethical AI use means respecting privacy. This includes avoiding the input of:

• Identifiable patient data 
• Confidential client information
• Unpublished research or proprietary documents

Once data is entered into public or third-party AI platforms, you may lose control over how it is stored or used. Always follow data protection protocols and client confidentiality agreements. When in doubt, keep sensitive content out.

4. Disclose AI use where appropriate

Transparency is an emerging ethical standard in medical writing. If AI tools are used in content creation, particularly in regulated environments like medical publishing, regulatory writing, or continuing education, it may be appropriate to disclose this.

Some journals and regulatory bodies are beginning to request authorship statements that confirm whether AI tools were used and how human oversight was maintained. Stay up to date with relevant industry guidelines and policies.

5. Avoid plagiarism and maintain originality

AI can pull from patterns in published data and training sets, which raises concerns about originality and potential plagiarism. Ethical use means:

• Using AI to inspire, not copy, language or structure
• Running AI-assisted text through plagiarism checkers
• Ensuring that content reflects the writer’s original thought, interpretation, and expression

Medical writing must meet high standards of academic and professional integrity. Always ensure that final outputs have a writer’s peruse and are original, well-sourced, and tailored to the intended audience.

6. Maintain a human editorial process

Even if AI is used at the start of a writing project, human expertise must be central throughout. That means:

• Applying clinical knowledge, audience awareness, and brand alignment
• Checking tone, clarity, and consistency
• Ensuring content meets legal, ethical, and scientific standards

While AI may be utilised for developing a draft document, it is important to apply real humans in the writing and editorial processes to ensure the final content is not only technically sound but also audience-appropriate and contextually aware.

7. Stay informed and evolve responsibly

AI is evolving fast and so are the ethical considerations around its use. Medical writers must keep pace with:

• Industry standards (e.g., AMWA, EMWA, ICMJE, GPP guidelines)
• Journal and regulatory disclosure requirements
• Best practices in digital ethics and content quality

The responsible use of AI in medical content creation requires ongoing learning, professional dialogue, and a commitment to doing what’s right - not just what’s easy to say.

In summary

AI can be a powerful tool for medical content creators, but it must be used with care. In a field where lives can be impacted by the information we produce, ethical standards are essential. By keeping humans at the centre of the process, verifying facts, protecting data, and respecting originality, we can harness AI responsibly and effectively.

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At KMG Communications, we combine technological innovation with medical writing expertise to deliver content that is accurate, ethical, and engaging. Because, in health communication, trust matters - and that must always be earned by human hands.

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References

American Medical Writers Association. 2024. An ethical approach to harnessing the power of AI for medical writing [Internet]. https://blog.amwa.org/an-ethical-approach-to-harnessing-the-power-of-ai-for-medical-writing

Guleria A, Krishan K, Sharma V, Kanchan T. 2023. ChatGPT: ethical concerns and challenges in academics and research. Journal of Infection in Developing Countries, 30;17(9):1292-1299. doi: 10.3855/jidc.18738. https://www.jidc.org/index.php/journal/article/view/37824352/3172

Liebrenz M, Schleifer R, Buadze A, Bhugra D, Smith A. 2023. Generating scholarly content with ChatGPT: ethical challenges for medical publishing.  Lancet Digital Health 5:  105-106.  doi:  10.1016/S2589-7500(23)00019-5.https://www.thelancet.com/journals/landig/article/PIIS2589-7500(23)00019-5/fulltext

Ramoni D, Sgura C, Liberale L, Montecucco F, Ioannidis JPA, Carbone F. 2024. Artificial intelligence in scientific medical writing: Legitimate and deceptive uses and ethical concerns. European Journal of Internal Medicine, 127:31-35. doi: 10.1016/j.ejim.2024.07.012. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39048335/

Author: Kara Gilbert, KMG Communications