European Reference Networks (ERNs) are virtual networks involving Reference Centres across the EU and Norway. The aim of the ERNs is to tackle complex or rare diseases and conditions that require highly specialised treatment and concentrated knowledge and resources. 

The objectives of the ERNs are to: 

• Improve clinical care by developing guidelines, training, and sharing knowledge. 
• Secure involvement of key stakeholders including patients and patient organisations. 
• Develop research activities as well as clinical trials to improve disease understanding. 
• Implement new IT systems to enable cross-border clinical collaboration.

Rare patient cases can be discussed by a ‘virtual’ advisory board of medical specialists from across different countries and disciplines in a dedicated and secure IT platform, developed by the EU Commission specifically for ERNs. This approach allows the medical knowledge and expertise that travel, rather than the patients, who have the comfort of staying in their supportive home environments.

ERNs are based on Directive 2011/24/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2011 on the application of patient’s rights in cross-border healthcare, which provides rules to facilitate access to safe and high-quality cross-border healthcare and promotes cooperation on healthcare between Member States.

Health systems in the European Union aim to provide high-quality, cost-effective care, but this is particularly difficult with rare or low-prevalence complex diseases or conditions. Between 5,000 and 8,000 rare diseases affect the daily lives of around 30 million people in the EU.

European Reference Networks additional information can be found on the website of the #newwindow# “European Commission”: https://ec.europa.eu/health/european-reference-networks/overview_en .

ERNs were set up under the 2011 Directive on patients’ rights in cross-border healthcare. This Directive also makes it easier for patients to access information on healthcare and thus increase their treatment options.

To find information points on cross-border healthcare in the country where you want to be treated, click here