[The process of generating EULAR recommendations]

Because of the complexity in interpretating the results obtained in original studies and the huge amount of new information available each month, a single rheumatologist is not able to adequately perform an optimal systematic literature research in order to apply this new information in his/her daily practice. These are the main reasons which prompted EULAR (European League against Rheumatism) to publish recommendations mainly for the management of the main musculoskeletal conditions seen in daily practice. These recommendations are written according to a strict methodology combining evidence-based medicine and expert opinions. These recommendations, prepared at the international level, should permit a uniformization of the management of rheumatic patients across the different European countries. All the EULAR initiatives have been generated by joint efforts of epidemiologists, young scientific fellows, and practicing rheumatologists (e.g., experts). Such a process has improved the knowledge of both the fellows and the experts in the field of clinical epidemiology.