AUTHORSHIP - THE COIN OF THE REALM, THE SOURCE OF COMPLAINTS

Context.-Disputes associated with achieving recognition for work done may affect both morale and subsequent resource allocation to medical r esearchers. Objective.-To assess authorship disputes brought to the Om buds Office. Setting.-The Ombuds Office, Harvard Medical School, Denta l School, School of Public Health, and affiliated hospitals. Main Outc ome Measure.-Change in number of queries related to authorship between 1991 to 1992 and 1996 to 1997. Results.-Disputes increased from 8 (2. 3%) of 355 issues brought to the office in 1991 to 1992 to 59 (10.7%) of 551 issues in 1996 to 1997. They also increased from involving 0.06 % of the total population of faculty, staff, and students affiliated w ith the schools in 1991 to 1992 to 0.33% of the total population in 19 96 to 1997. Such problems appear to occur more often for women (53% of complaints in 1994-1995 through 1996-1997) and for non-US citizens (2 1% of complaints in 1991-1992 through 1996-1997). Conclusions.-Authors hip disputes are increasingly frequent. Institutions should increase e nforcement of published authorship standards and place more emphasis o n managerial skills for laboratory and research department heads.