Should medical writers be considered for ICMJE authorship criteria?

The concept of authorship in medical publications is guided by criteria established by organizations such as the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE). According to ICMJE guidelines, an individual should be credited as an author if they have made significant contributions to the conception, design, execution, or interpretation of the research being reported.

Medical writers can play a crucial role in the publication process, often contributing to the writing and organization of the manuscript based on data and findings generated by researchers. When a medical writer's contributions fulfill the specific criteria laid out by the ICMJE—such as contributing to the study's conception or design, data analysis, or drafting and revising the manuscript—their inclusion as an author is warranted. This perspective recognizes the importance of transparency and accountability in academic publishing.

While some may argue that medical writers should not receive authorship, the guidelines support the idea that their contributions can be substantial enough to warrant an authorship credit, provided they meet the established criteria for authorship. This approach ensures that all individuals who play a significant role in the research and writing process receive appropriate recognition for their work.