Digital monitoring in rheumatoid arthritis: remote assessment, wearables, and data-driven disease management

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review examines the emerging role of digital monitoring technologies in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) management, including electronic patient-reported outcome measures (ePROMs), wearable sensors, and data-driven approaches. The aim is to evaluate how these tools support continuous disease monitoring, timely flare detection, and patient self-management, aligning with treat-to-target principles. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent evidence suggests increasing digital health monitoring feasibility through the use of smartphone applications, wearables, and analysis of the multisource data collection. However, barriers such as digital literacy from both patients and healthcare professionals, accuracy of the data collected, correct interpretation still need to be addressed. While digital health has overall shown benefits in terms of appointment distribution, waiting time reduction, continuous monitoring of disease activity, and psychological outcomes, the safe shift to digital monitoring without compromising safety and individuals personal preferences should remain a priority. SUMMARY: Digital monitoring technologies represent a novel shift in RA management, offering continuous assessment beyond traditional clinic visits. While patient acceptance is generally high, implementation challenges include clinician awareness, software integration, and ensuring equitable access. Future directions involve refining predictive algorithms, establishing standardized digital biomarkers, and integrating multimodal data streams for personalized disease management.