ERN ReCONNET Holds Transition Training Workshop in Ljubljana to Advance Curriculum Development for Transition of Care in Rheumatology

Ljubljana, Slovenia – 13–14 November 2025

ERN ReCONNET successfully hosted a two-day Transition Training Workshop in Ljubljana dedicated to developing a shared European curriculum for improving the transition of care for adolescents and young adults living with rare and complex connective tissue and musculoskeletal diseases (rCTDs).

The workshop, titled “Developing the ERN ReCONNET Curriculum for Transition of Care in Rheumatology”, was organised by the ERN ReCONNET Transition of Care Task Force and led by Tadej Avčin and Gabriele Simonini.

The meeting gathered clinicians, researchers, ePAG Advocates, and experts from across Europe to collaboratively shape a structured, multidisciplinary approach to transitional care.

Day 1 – Understanding Needs and Identifying Core Competencies

The first day focused on the key components of transition in paediatric rheumatology, including:

• Distinctive aspects of chronic conditions in children

• EULAR/PReS recommendations for transitional care

• Transition practices within ERN ReCONNET

• Current gaps in transition training

• Perspectives from parents and patients

• Lessons from other ERNs

• Principles of curriculum design in adolescent healthcare

Participants also worked in small groups to identify core competencies required for high-quality transition and to explore training methods and assessment approaches. Group discussions concluded with report-back sessions highlighting common priorities and gaps.

Day 2 – Building the Curriculum and Planning Implementation

On the second day, participants engaged in a structured design sprint to consolidate Day 1 insights and shape the outline of the future ERN ReCONNET transition curriculum.

Further discussions focused on implementation pathways, taking into account the diversity of European healthcare systems and the potential role of the ERN in supporting harmonised training across countries.

The workshop concluded with a synthesis session aimed at drafting an Action Statement for the EU, summarising key priorities and next steps for advancing transitional care in rheumatology.

A Collaborative Step Forward for Young Patients with rCTDs

This workshop marks an important milestone in ERN ReCONNET’s efforts to improve continuity of care for young people with rare and complex connective tissue diseases as they move from paediatric to adult services. The outcomes of the meeting will contribute to the development of a structured, evidence-informed, and patient-centred curriculum to support clinicians across Europe.

ERN ReCONNET extends its warm thanks to all speakers, contributors and participants for their commitment and engagement.