[Authorship in manuscripts published in biomedical journals]

Area of Science:

• Biomedical research
• Scientific publishing

Background:

• Increasing trend of multiauthorship in scientific journals.
• Need to verify if all listed authors meet established authorship criteria.
• Concerns for editors, reviewers, and readers regarding authorship verification.

Discussion:

• Revista Médica de Chile analyzes multiauthorship trends through retrospective manuscript review.
• Implementation of a "Statement of Accountability" since 1997 for all authors.
• New "Statement of Accountability" form requires authors to detail personal involvement in the research.

Key Insights:

• Authorship verification is crucial in scientific publishing.
• Journal implements a multi-pronged strategy to address multiauthorship concerns.
• New accountability form aims to enhance transparency in author contributions.

Outlook:

• Data on author involvement will be accessible to editorial staff and reviewers.
• Trial period allows authors to object to data publication.
• Journal will continue using "Author" and "Main author" terminology.