How technology is changing medical editing
- Jo Murray
- Sep 24
- 2 min read

Technology is transforming nearly every profession, and medical editing is no exception. From artificial intelligence (AI) to specialist editing tools, today’s editors and writers have a growing digital toolkit at their disposal. But while these innovations bring new opportunities for efficiency and accuracy, they also raise important questions about quality and trust.
So how exactly is technology reshaping medical writing, and where should we tread carefully? Let’s look at the opportunities and risks by turn.
Opportunities
Faster first draft clean-up: Tools like PerfectIt can catch inconsistencies. For long medical documents, this means an editor can spend less time on surface-level fixes and more time on clarity, flow and accuracy.
Enhanced reference management: Software such as EndNote helps medical writers collect, organise and cite sources. This can save hours of manual work and reduce the risk of error.
AI-automated tasks: AI tools can automate repetitive writing/editing tasks such as generating a glossary of abbreviations and standardising units.
Improved collaboration: Cloud-based platforms such as MS Teams allow editors, writers and healthcare professionals to review the same document simultaneously, reducing email chains and version-control errors. Everyone can see suggested tracked changes and comments in one place, streamlining communication.
Risks
Accuracy and reliability: While AI can generate plausible-sounding text, it can actually be factually wrong. In medicine, even a small inaccuracy can have serious consequences, so writers must fact-check all AI-assisted content against trusted sources.
Data security and confidentiality: Uploading sensitive medico-legal or patient information to online tools can pose privacy risks. Writers must ensure compliance with GDPR and other data protection standards before using third-party platforms.
Loss of nuance: While AI can rephrase or summarise, it often misses context, tone or legal/ethical nuance. Medical writing requires careful judgment – something technology cannot replicate.
Overreliance: The danger is in leaning too heavily on tools and letting essential editorial skills go to waste. A machine may spot inconsistencies, but only a trained human can ensure clarity, logical flow and reader-appropriate language.
The human–technology balance
The best way forward is balance. Technology should serve as an assistant, not a replacement. For medical editors and writers, this means:
Using tools for efficiency, not authority.
Always applying professional expertise to check accuracy, clarity and consistency.
Being mindful of data protection when handling confidential documents.
Staying up to date with developments in editing technology – but critically assessing their value.
Final thoughts
Let’s face it – technology is shaking up medical writing and editing, and, honestly, it’s kind of exciting: faster turnaround and easier collaboration. But we shouldn’t get too carried away: no AI or fancy tool is going to replace the sharp eye of a trained writer or editor. Medical and medico-legal documents aren’t just about nailing grammar; they need precision, responsibility and readability – the kind of judgement only a human can provide.
When we use these tools thoughtfully, they don’t replace us; they empower us. They handle the repetitive stuff, freeing up writers and editors to focus on the nuanced work that really matters. The future isn’t humans versus machines – it’s humans with machines, teaming up to make medical editing smarter, smoother and just a little bit easier. It’s all about using tech to do what we do best – but with a little less hassle.
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