Missed melanoma following skin lesion triage by an autonomous artificial intelligence system in a community setting

Skin lesion triage by artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to improve access to dermatology services but raises important ethical and governance challenges. This fictional case examines a missed melanoma following autonomous AI assessment during a pilot programme in the community, prompting a safety review. It highlights concerns regarding patient safety, informed consent, accountability for diagnostic error, and the need for robust oversight when integrating AI into clinical pathways.