A Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) is an independent group of experts set up to protect patient safety during a clinical trial. This board periodically reviews clinical study data (and they have access to unblinded data in case of blinded studies), incidental event reporting, and clinical study performance. The DSMB provides independent advice to ensure participants are not exposed to undue risks, and make recommendations concerning the continuation, modification, or termination of a trial.
