Patient Perspectives to Inform Co-creation of Wearable-Derived Digital Biomarkers for Early Flare Detection and Management in IBD: A Survey-Based Study

PURPOSE: Wearable-derived digital biomarkers represent a new frontier in remote management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). They may enable continuous disease surveillance and early flare detection while reducing reliance on questionnaire-based remote monitoring. However, successful implementation into clinical practice critically depends on patient acceptance and perceived relevance. To guide patient-centered digital health strategies, we aimed to investigate patient perspectives on digital biomarkers for (early) flare detection. METHODS: A nationwide cross-sectional survey-based study was conducted among patients with IBD (≥ 16 years) in the Netherlands. A study-specific questionnaire was distributed through the Dutch patient organization Crohn & Colitis NL to assess acceptance, preferences, and perspectives on the use of wearable technology for flare detection. RESULTS: 1,080 participants were included: 72.5% women, 53.4% aged >50 years, and 28.7% current wearable users. Overall, 88% considered remote monitoring for flare detection potentially useful, and over 90% believed wearables could support this. Motivations for using wearables included flare detection, better understanding of symptoms, and health monitoring. User-friendliness, clear alerts, and time efficiency were key device preferences, and smartwatches were the preferred wearable device. Shorter disease duration (p