Hello, fellow researchers,

I have a methodological question: I am creating a tool that is supposed to educate patients, however similar tool has been created, so some concepts overlap, some statements that are common knowledge applied in medicine for many years will be very similar.

The other tool has been created in a different country where the regulations differ so the tools will not be identical, also I will apply other novel elements in mine.

How should I go about avoiding plagiarism claims?

Should I reference the other tool or say I have adapted their recommendations (even those are common knowledge)?

Should I ask the author for permit to cite them and adapt their concepts?

Thank you very much!