What ethical step must an author take regarding the medical writer?

Providing direction at every stage of manuscript development is essential for maintaining ethical standards in authorship and collaboration between authors and medical writers. This process ensures that the content of the manuscript reflects the author’s expertise and intentions.

By engaging actively throughout the manuscript's development, authors can guide the medical writer in terms of scientific accuracy, adherence to relevant guidelines, and the communication of key messages. This active involvement helps to uphold the integrity of the research and ensures that the final publication appropriately represents the authors' perspectives and the data discussed.

An author’s engagement is critical to avoid potential issues such as misrepresentation of data or intellectual property concerns. Thus, having ongoing communication and oversight in the writing process aligns with best practices in publishing and fosters a collaborative and ethical working relationship.