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.
Keywords: ERN-RITA; ERN-Re CONNET: center of expertise; European reference networks (ERNs); center of excellence; immunological disorders; musculoskeletal autoimmune diseases; rare and complex diseases.