What does 'post-market commitment' refer to in device regulation?

The term 'post-market commitment' refers specifically to agreements made to gather additional data on a device’s performance after it has been marketed. This is an important aspect of device regulation because it allows manufacturers and regulatory bodies to further evaluate the safety and efficacy of a medical device once it is in use by the public.

These commitments are essential as they help to identify any unforeseen issues that may arise when the device is used in a broader population, which may not have been fully captured during clinical trials. This ongoing assessment can involve studies, registries, or other forms of monitoring that provide insights into the device's long-term performance and patient outcomes. Thus, by focusing on post-market data collection, regulatory bodies can ensure that devices continue to meet safety and effectiveness standards even after they enter the market.