What is
the RIR Network

Is the RIR legally established?

Article 28 of the law of 8 March 2018 on hospital centres and hospital treatment planning provides for the creation of a network of immuno-rheumatology specialists for adults and children. This is the article that describes the requirements for a competence network:

In 2023, the RIR obtained a 5-year operating authorisation issued by the Ministry of Health of the Government of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

What are the objectives of the RIR?

The objectives of the RIR are to:

• obtain, if possible, the remission of rheumatic IMID by slowing down or stopping the inflammation, deformation or destruction of the joints, in order to reduce the functional, psychological, socio-professional and economic consequences of the disease,
• improve the quality of life for patients affected by a rheumatic IMID and maintain their functional autonomy, help them to better understand their disease, self-manage their treatment in partnership with the care team, and adapt their lifestyle as their disease evolves,
• allow all patients affected by a rheumatic IMID to access the best care available in Luxembourg, regardless of where they are living, 
• ensure an acceptable cost-benefit ratio for the treatment they receive,
• improve the knowledge of these diseases in Luxembourg, along with their treatment and development,
• contribute to clinical research into these diseases.

In order to improve knowledge of rheumatic IMIDs in Luxembourg and to evaluate the treatment and the treatment outcomes, all the healthcare professionals treating patients will update the patient’s medical file with the information required for their care and to assist with assessment of the results and of the RIR. Obviously, this takes place only with the informed consent of the patient or their legal representative!

Which diseases are treated at RIR centres?

Patients affected by the following diseases can receive treatment through the RIR:

The RIR also accepts patients suffering from bone or joint problems connected to diseases such as:

Which healthcare professions are represented in the RIR?

The inter- and multi-disciplinary RIR team is made up of the following professions, providing care at the 4 partner hospitals:

• doctors specialising in rheumatology or specialists in internal medicine with experience in rheumatology,
• paediatricians specialising in rheumatology,
• specialist nurses with experience in rheumatology,
• physiotherapists,
• occupational therapists,
• psychologists,
• sexologists,
• dieticians,
• podologists,
• social workers,
• pain management nurses.

All these professionals are accredited within the RIR network if they have completed the annual specific training course on rheumatic IMIDs. The RIR Scientific Committee organises training programmes for doctors wishing to join the Competence Network. Initial and ongoing training is also provided to care staff and professionals from other healthcare sectors.

Various medical specialists may be asked to give complementary opinions to assist with a patient’s care: cardiologists, pneumologists, gynaecologists, dermatologists, gastroenterologists, nephrologists, neurologists, geriatricians, pain management specialists and radiologists. These specialists have a more specific understanding of patients affected by a rheumatic IMID.

To receive an opinion from a rehabilitation physician, you must apply to the Rehazenter.

These doctors and healthcare professionals meet regularly to discuss the clinical situation of their patients and to propose the best treatment approach. They have access to various clinical data in order to form an opinion and allow the best care to be provided.

If a disease is resistant to treatment or is presenting complex issues, you may be recommended for an opinion from a university professor practising abroad (within the EU), a member of the RIR Scientific Committee. The consultation will take place in Luxembourg, in the presence of your rheumatologist.

Partners