What must authors do regarding medical writing assistance?

Authors are required to acknowledge medical writing assistance to maintain transparency and integrity in the publication process. Acknowledging contributors who provide medical writing assistance demonstrates the authors' understanding and adherence to ethical practices. This practice is crucial because it gives credit to individuals whose expertise in writing, editing, or managing the manuscript contributed to the research's clarity and readability.

Transparency in authorship not only supports the ethical dissemination of information but also reflects the collaborative nature of scientific work. Such acknowledgment allows the audience to understand the roles of various contributors, which can foster trust in the publication and hold writers accountable for the content presented.

The other options entail practices that do not align with standard ethical guidelines. Withholding names of contributors goes against the principle of giving credit where it is due. Limiting assistance to data analysis alone does not address the full scope of medical writing. Seeking external reviews only excludes the recognition of those who play a part in crafting the manuscript. All these aspects underscore the importance of properly acknowledging medical writing assistance.