[A project for developing rheumatologic epidemiology in France. The setting up of a network].

The epidemiological approach is indispensable in rheumatology. It involves the collection of quantitative data on the extent and geographical distribution of different rheumatismal pathologies, their socioeconomic consequences, the handicap they produce, the evaluation of a system of care and the risk factors involved. The epidemiological group of the French Rheumatology Society has recorded the data currently available in France and the studies performed in France and abroad. It recommends the setting up of an epidemiological monitoring network on a national scale consisting of rheumatologists and general practitioners.