Patient-centered approaches for patients with systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases: development and evolution. (1st February 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vlachoyiannopoulos, Panayiotis G; Chatzis, Loukas G; Goules, Andreas V; Argyropoulou, Ourania D; Englezopoulou, Adamantia; Stergiou, Ioanna; Voulgarelis, Michalis; Tsanakas, Panayiotis; Exarchos, Themis; Gorgoulis, Vassilis V; Fotiadis, Dimitrios I; Tzioufas, Athanasios G
• Is Part Of: Expert review of clinical immunology. Volume 18:Number 2(2022)
• Page Start: 125
• Page End: 133
• Publication Date: 2022-02-01
• Subjects: European reference networks (ERNs) -- ERN-RITA -- ERN-Re CONNET: center of expertise -- center of excellence -- rare and complex diseases -- musculoskeletal autoimmune diseases -- immunological disorders; Clinical immunology -- Periodicals; 616.079
• DOI: 10.1080/1744666X.2022.2022477
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1744-666X

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Introduction: European Reference Networks (ERNs) are dedicated to rare complex diseases. Systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARDs) comprise a group of disorders, some of which are rare, complex, and chronic, characterized by relapsing-remitting course and requiring targeted treatments for long periods; SARDs are also associated with various co-morbidities and therefore health-care infrastructures, at the highest level of expertise are required. Areas covered: For the current work, literature on the basic characteristics of a center of excellence dedicated to SARDs, its advantages over the existing health infrastructures in order to improve health and social care, its contribution to the education of health-care workers, and the related research opportunities are presented. In addition, our experience, vision, and initiatives as a new member of the ERNs are reported. Expert opinion: A restructure in healthcare policy and resource allocation, based on centers of expertise, is necessary to improve the medical care of patients with SARDs.