Set-Up↦Safety↦Data Safety Monitoring Board↦Aim
What is it? Why is it important?
The Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) consists of an independent group of experts that regularly review the safety and, when appropriate, the efficacy data of a study.
The aim of the DSMB is to:
- Review study data while the study is ongoing
- Ensure that the safety of study participants is guaranteed at all times
- Monitor the progress of a study (e.g. participant recruitment, ongoing safety concerns, achievement of study endpoint)
- Provide recommendations on whether to prematurely terminate a study based on:
- Participant safety concerns
- The research question has been answered before study completion
More
Although safety assessment is an essential and integral part of any study, not all studies require a DSMB. The establishment of a DSMB may be critical for studies that intend to:
- Save lives
- Embark on long-term studies, even if the focus are non-life-threatening diseases
- Include data analysis during study conduct in order to protect participant from harm (e.g. statistical interim analysis)
- Reduce the ongoing risk of major adverse health outcomes
What do I need to do?
As a SP-INV and based on the complexity of your study:
- Decide whether a DSMB might be warranted for your study
- Decide on DSMB composition, ensuring the right type of experts are recruited (e.g. physician, statistician, patient advocates)
- Ensure members are independent of the study staff, organisation or institution conducting the study
- Write a DSMB charter signed by all parties. The charter documents the composition of the DSMB, members responsibilities, the management of the board and processes for decision making
- As applicable, evaluate DSMB recommendations and act accordingly
Where can I get help?
Your local CTU↧ can support you with experienced staff regarding this topic
Basel, Departement Klinische Forschung, CTU, dkf.unibas.ch
Lugano, Clinical Trials Unit, CTU-EOC, www.ctueoc.ch
Bern, Clinical Trials Unit, CTU, www.ctu.unibe.ch
Geneva, Clinical Research Center, CRC, crc.hug.ch
Lausanne, Clinical Research Center, CRC, www.chuv.ch
St. Gallen, Clinical Trials Unit, CTU, www.kssg.ch
Zürich, Clinical Trials Center, CTC, www.usz.ch
References
ICH GCP E6(R2) – see in particular guideline
- 1.25 Definition of the DSMB
ISO 14155:2020 Medical device (access liable to cost) – see in particular sections
- 3.17 Definition data monitoring committee
- 6.11 Data monitoring committee