ERN ReCONNET is the European Reference Network on Connective Tissue and Musculoskeletal Diseases (rCTDs). ERN ReCONNET currently involves 64 Healthcare Providers: 55 Full Members and 9 Affiliated Partners from 23 European Member States and 13 patients’ representatives that are actively integrated in ERN ReCONNET. The mission of ERN ReCONNET is to develop a framework for the delivery of high quality, innovative, sustainable and equitable standard of care and practice for better access to care of European
patients with rCTDs. The ERN ReCONNET is conceived as a multi-stakeholder infrastructure going beyond geographical boundaries which purpose is to serve as a meeting point of needs, feedbacks and expertise for HCPs, patients, families and for other stakeholders involved in rCTDs (other networks, authorities, health systems, private sectors, etc.). ERN ReCONNET covers the following rCTDs:
antiphospholipid syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndromes, idiopathic inflammatory myopathies, IgG4-related diseases, mixed connective tissue diseases, relapsing polychondritis, Sjögren’s syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis and undifferentiated connective tissue diseases. The main objective of this action is to ensure the coordination, management and operational activities of ERN ReCONNET. In the first 5 years, ERN ReCONNET has brought the creation of a new multi-stakeholder infrastructure and the
maintenance of this innovative infrastructure is really crucial for promoting an improved and equal care of rCTDs across Europe. This action will contribute to enabling rCTDs patients and healthcare professionals to benefit from pooling of expertise, knowledge and resources at EU level, contributing to improving access to appropriate diagnosis and treatments, while enhancing knowledge generation, training and research in rCTDs.