What question did this study set out to answer?

This research aims to explore patient perspectives on digital biomarkers for managing flares in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

January 23, 2026

P0238Co-creating meaningful digital biomarkers for flare management in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Key Points

This research aims to explore patient perspectives on digital biomarkers for managing flares in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Conducted a cross-sectional survey via a patient organization in the Netherlands
Focused on patient experiences with flare management and wearable technology
Analyzed data using descriptive and regression statistics
1,080 participants completed the survey, with 72.5% being women
63% found flare prediction useful, while 61% believed wearables could help
Key motivations for using wearables included symptom pattern recognition and health insights
44% indicated they could predict flare onset based on prior symptoms
Regression showed younger age and current wearable use were significant predictors for adoption.

Abstract

Abstract Background Remote monitoring of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) enables continuous tracking of symptoms, faecal calprotectin, and psychosocial and lifestyle risk factors. Early detection of flares or modifiable risk factors would allow timely intervention, potentially preventing hospitalisations, corticosteroid use and disease progression.1 Digital biomarkers, collected through wearable technologies, represent the next frontier in remote monitoring. When integrated into existing telemonitoring platforms, they can reduce the burden of repeated questionnaires and enhance adherence to remote monitoring2. However, patients’ needs and concerns regarding digital monitoring in IBD remain insufficiently explored3. To develop patient-centred digital health strategies, this study aims to explore patient perspectives regarding digital biomarkers. Methods A cross-sectional survey was distributed to patients with IBD via the Dutch patient organisation Crohn 50 years of age, and 28.7% current wearable users. Overall, 63% considered flare prediction useful, and 61% believed wearables could support it. Motivation for using wearables included pattern recognition, gaining insights into symptoms, and health monitoring. Most participants experienced flares every few years, and 44% indicated to be able to predict their onset. Frequent self-reported pre-flare complaints were fatigue, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea. For telemonitoring and wearables, desired topics to be monitored included fatigue, medication effects, and mood/stress. Ease of use, clear alerts, and minimal interaction were key device preferences. Smartwatches were preferred; 56% would wear one continuously, and 57% wished to use wearable data during outpatient visits. Regression analysis identified shorter disease duration (1-5 years; p 0.001), younger age (25-66 years; p = 0.016), and current wearable use (p 0.001) as predictors for wearable adoption. Conclusion Patients with IBD valued wearables for flare detection and disease-management. Most participants expressed acceptance of digital biomarkers use and believed that wearables could support routine care. Incorporating these insights into digital biomarker development may enhance patient-centricity and adherence to remote IBD monitoring. References: 1. de Jong MJ, van der Meulen-de Jong AE, Romberg-Camps MJ, et al. Telemedicine for management of inflammatory bowel disease (myIBDcoach): a pragmatic, multicentre, randomised controlled trial. Lancet. Sep 2 2017;390(10098):959-968. doi:10.1016/s0140-6736(17)31327-2 2. Duffy A, Christie GJ, Moreno S. The Challenges Toward Real-world Implementation of Digital Health Design Approaches: Narrative Review. Review. JMIR Hum Factors. 2022;9(3):e35693. doi:10.2196/35693 3. Hermsen S, Tump D, Wentink E, Duijvestein M. Investigating Patient Perspectives on Using eHealth Technologies for the Self-Management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Mixed Methods Study. J Med Internet Res. Sep 6 2024;26:e53512. doi:10.2196/53512 4. Manta C, Patrick-Lake B, Goldsack JC. Digital Measures That Matter to Patients: A Framework to Guide the Selection and Development of Digital Measures of Health. Digit Biomark. Sep-Dec 2020;4(3):69-77. doi:10.1159/000509725 Conflict of interest: Ms. Godecharle, Eline: No conflict of interest van den Brink, Willem: No conflict of interest Totté, Koen: No conflict of interest Mujagic, Zlatan: Reports grants from ZonMw, Niels Stensen Fellowship, MDL Fonds, Academische Alliantie Fonds (AAF), Top consortium for Knowledge and Innovation (TKI), and Galapagos / Alfasigma advisory board fees from Johnson & Johnson, Eli Lilly, and Pfizer (paid to host institution) and speaker’s fees from Friso-Friesland Campina, Galapagos/Alfasigma, Celltrion, Eli Lilly, and Takeda (paid to host institution). van der Horst, Danielle: No conflict of interest Scherpenzeel, Menne: No conflict of interest Römkens, Tessa: No conflict of interest Pierik, Marieke: Grant: TKI, MLDS, Galapagos, Janssen-Cilag, Takeda, Pfizer Other: Financial support to institution for consultancy or lectures: Takeda , Janssen-Cilag , BMS, MSD, Abbvie, Galapagos, Ferring

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P0238Co-creating meaningful digital biomarkers for flare management in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Key Points

Abstract

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