Data Safety Monitoring Boards: Their Place and Role in Trials

Dr Roma Chilengi, Head of Clinical Trials at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/Wellcome Trust Research Programme in Kilifi, Kenya discusses clinical trial data safety monitoring boards (DSMBs). This introduction starts with a definition of a DSMB and discusses their roles and when they are required. DSMS constitutions, charters and considerations for under developed settings are also discussed.