JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

In recent years, there has been a surge in using online platforms and personal devices to administer brief clinical assessments, in natural settings, and at regular intervals or in response to acute changes (e.g., in mood or behaviour). The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has accelerated interest in remote testing for clinical research programmes, given that face-to-face interactions are difficult or impossible, and it is possible that remote testing will become the new norm. The ability of remote research tools to collect granular, high-frequency data on symptoms and digital biomarkers is an important strength as it circumvents many limitations of traditional clinical trials and improves the ability to capture clinically relevant data. This approach can allow researchers to capture more robust baselines, and to derive novel phenotypes for improved precision in diagnosis and accuracy in outcomes. The process for developing these tools, however, is complex, as data need to be collected at a frequency that is meaningful but not burdensome for the participant or patient.