1.Statement 

RCNi recognises the growing value of artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential to help authors, journalists, reviewers and editors in the publishing process. While we welcome developments that can enrich publishing, RCNi views AI technologies as tools to enhance rather than replace creativity.

Large language models (LLMs) or Generative AI offer opportunities to accelerate the creation and dissemination of content while also posing copyright and accuracy challenges. RCNi has developed a policy (link here to the policy on the author, write for us pages) to support authors, journalists and reviewers to leverage AI with an ethical and positive approach and to maintain our reputation as a trusted, evidence-based resource for nursing professionals.

RCNi is committed to ethical, transparent and copyright compliant use of AI. All content published by RCNi is protected by copyright and may not be used for any AI-related purpose without our explicit written consent. We will consider and respond to all requests to use our content for AI, please email permissions@rcni.com with your query.

2. Author/journalist/reviewer policy

1. Guidelines for AI use

1.1 The use of AI

We acknowledge that technological advancements, including the use of AI, are influencing the production of content. Our guidelines are designed to adapt to these changes, ensuring that integrity and ethical standards continue to guide our editorial process.

All submissions will continue to be checked to ensure that they are original and do not match material previously published by RCNi or other publishers. This ensures that the nursing community can continue to trust the accuracy and integrity of our content.  

All content will continue to be meticulously reviewed by human editors. RCNi’s editorial team is dedicated to fact-checking and verifying all content to uphold the highest standards of accuracy and reliability.

1.2 Prohibited Uses of AI

• Use of AI tools in the production of content is allowed only with the express permission of your RCNi Editor. RCNi acknowledges that some AI tools may be useful for ideas generation and search engine optimisation.
• LLMs and Generative AI tools must not be used in the writing of articles for RCNi.
• AI must not be used for tasks where ethical or factual accuracy is paramount.
• Reviewers suspecting the inappropriate or undisclosed use of AI in a submission should flag their concerns to the appropriate RCNi Editor.

1.3 Copyright

• Authors and journalists should be aware that under current laws AI-generated text does not qualify for copyright protection.
• Many LLMs and Generative AI tools are trained on unlicensed copyrighted materials and as such the outputs may infringe copyright of other authors’ works.
• Authors and journalists must ensure that AI tools don’t claim ownership on outputs created or impose limitations on their use that could obstruct RCNi’s publishing process.

1.4. GDPR Rules

It is the responsibility of all authors and journalists to ensure compliance with GDPR regulations when using AI tools. Authors and journalists must safeguard the privacy and rights of individuals whose data may be processed or generated through AI technologies.

Please be aware that content fed into open LLM/Generative AI tools becomes part of that tool and is therefore made available to all users of such tools, at both an individual and corporate level.

2. Disclosure of AI use

2.1 Transparency

Authors and journalists must clearly and fully disclose any use of AI in the writing of their submitted articles, how they used it and the extent to which they used it.

Please contact your RCNi Editor if you are unsure about any tools that have been used for content creation.

2.2. Communication about the use of AI

• If AI has been used at any stage in the creation of RCNi content, authors and journalists must declare the use. This includes AI tools for writing, editing or proofing an article; or to produce any text in an article.
• Authors should explain how they used AI, its nature and how it affected the final content.
• If AI has been used to research a feature, analysis, expert advice, news story or any other piece of content, the journalist should inform the editorial team when filing.
• AI engines can provide incorrect information so, for RCNi to be able to assure the quality of its content, it is the responsibility of the author or journalist to ensure that any research assistance from AI can be properly traced and verified.
• The policy on the discovery of use of AI should apply when authors or journalists are producing content for all RCNi products including, but not limited to journals, learning modules, webinars, presentations and podcasts.
• If in doubt about whether AI tools are appropriate and permitted for supporting the writing of RCNi articles, please contact your RCNi Editor before writing the article.

3. Ethical Use of AI

3.1 Definition

At RCNi, the ethical use of AI encompasses a commitment to transparency, accountability, and respect for individual privacy. The use of AI technologies align with our core values and ethical standards, ensuring that all AI-driven processes are fair, non-discriminatory, and rigorously evaluated to protect the rights and interests of all stakeholders involved.

3.2 Ethical Accountability

Authors and journalists are accountable for any ethical breaches or issues arising from the use of AI, involving for example the accuracy and integrity of the information presented.

4. Final Decision

4.1 Editorial Discretion

The final decision on whether or not a submitted article is acceptable for publication, in this case in terms of how AI has been used for its creation, continues to lie with RCNi editorial staff.

Further support

If you have any questions or need further information about the AI policy or its implications, please contact permissions@rcni.com

For more details on how to publish with RCNi, please go to https://rcni.com/publish-article-with-rcni

To take account of changes in how AI is used in academic and professional publishing, it is intended that this policy is reviewed annually.