Chronic conditions continue to place growing pressure on healthcare systems. While personal coaching can be effective in managing long-term health, it is not scalable or economically sustainable. This has led to increasing interest in Digital Health Technologies (DHTs)—and in particular, the use of digital biomarkers—as a means to monitor, predict, and respond to health needs more efficiently.

In the third module of the CAS ETH HSG UZH in Digital Health: Therapeutics, participants are introduced to the concept of digital biomarkers and their role in next-generation health monitoring. The module explores how data from consumer devices—such as wearables, mobile apps, social media, and location-tracking technologies—can be systematically collected and analysed to generate meaningful health insights.

Participants will examine the core components of digital biomarker development, including: designing observational studies, collecting and exploring patient-generated health data, and applying analytical methods to predict and interpret health outcomes

The module also addresses the broader context: how mobile and connected technologies can support the needs of ageing populations and individuals living with chronic diseases—but only when applied through rigorous, systematic, and ethically sound approaches.

Throughout the module, participants will assess real-world applications, engage with case studies, and participate in hands-on exercises that culminate in a project applying their new knowledge.

After completing this module, participants will be able to:

1. Explain the concept and value of digital biomarkers

2. Identify and evaluate different application areas for digital biomarkers

3. Critically assess the validity and limitations of existing digital biomarkers

4. Design the core elements of a digital biomarker intervention

Find more details on our CAS ETH HSG UZH Digital Health page.