The lack of proper data training for AI algorithms used for medical devices can end up being harmful to patients, experts told the FDA. The federal agency held a nearly seven-hour patient engagement meeting on the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare Oct. 22, in which experts addressed the public's questions about machine learning in medical devices. Experts and executives in the fields of medicine, regulations, technology and public health discussed the composition of the datasets that train AI-based medical devices. A lack of transparency surrounding the datasets that train algorithms can lead to public mistrust in AI-powered medical tools, as these devices may not have been trained using patient data that accurately represents the individuals they will be treating. During the meeting, Center for Devices and Radiological Health Director Jeffrey Shuren, MD, noted that 562 AI-powered medical devices have received FDA emergency use authorization and pointed out that all patients should be considered when these devices are being developed and regulated.

The lack of proper data training for AI algorithms used for medical devices can end up being harmful to patients, experts told the FDA.