AMA Referencing (Vancouver)

These recommendations are current as at July 2024. We may update or supplement these guidelines over time as tools evolve and practice recommendations for the use of Gen-AI develop.

The AMA Manual of Style has released new guidelines on citing and referencing generative AI. 

Section 5.2.1.1, Acknowledgment of Use of Artificial Intelligence and Language Models in Writing and Editing, outlines the new JAMA Network policy requiring authors to disclose any use of AI or similar tools in creating or editing their manuscripts

Authors should report using artificial intelligence, language models, machine learning, or similar technologies to create content or assist with writing or editing manuscripts in the Acknowledgment section or the Methods section if this is part of formal research design or methods. This should include a description of the content that was created or edited and the name of the language model or tool, version and extension numbers, and manufacturer. (Note: this does not include basic tools for checking grammar, spelling, references, etc.) 

Section 5.1.12 Use of Artificial Intelligence and Language Models, prohibits listing artificial intelligence or similar technologies/tools as authors.

Nonhuman artificial intelligence, language models, machine learning, or similar technologies cannot be listed as authors because these technologies do not qualify for authorship. If these models or tools are used to create content or assist with writing or manuscript preparation, authors must take responsibility for the integrity of the content generated by these tools. Authors should report the use of artificial intelligence, language models, machine learning, or similar technologies to create content or assist with writing or editing of manuscripts in the Acknowledgment section or Methods section if this is part of formal research design or methods.

How to cite Generative AI tools in course work, if allowed: 

Generative AI tools like ChatGPT generate text in response to parameters entered by the user. AI-generated content is an example of a nonrecoverable unpublished source (similar to personal communications AMA 3.13.10 & NLM Style Guides) meaning that the content produced is not accessible to anyone other than the person who generated it, hence there would be no entry in the reference list. As there is no entry in the reference list, the details of the tool used should be provided in-text. Instead of a reference list entry, provide an acknowledgment after the reference list detailing which tools were used, to what extent, and descriptions of how the information was generated, including the exact wording of prompts used. 

Use this format for: ChatGPT

In-text: (Name of AI Tool, type of communication, Month DD, YYYY)

Reference list: Unpublished works should not be included in the reference list, as they cannot be traced.

Acknowledgment: Provide a description of the AI tool used, what you did and the date accessed.

Minimum information needed (in bold):

• Name of the AI Tool
• Version and extension numbers
• Manufacturer
• Date of use (Month, Day, Year) 

In addition to the above considerations, authors should provide the following additional information if AI was used in the study:

• Prompt(s) used, their sequence, and any revisions;
• Institutional review board/ethics review, approval, waiver, or exemption;
• Methods or analyses included to address and manage AI-related bias and inaccuracy of AI-generated content; and
• Adherence to a relevant reporting guideline if followed.

Important notes:

• Create in-text reference
• No reference list entry
• Include acknowledgement after the reference list detailing how the AI tool was used. See example in the link below.