The report Scenarios on Rheumatoid Arthritis 1990--2005 is the third specialized report of the Chronic Diseases Scenario Project. An exploration has been made of the likely trends in the number of patients, the number of severity of consequences and complications, the quality of life and the demands likely to be made on the health system as a result of rheumatoid arthritis up to the year 2005. Rheumatoid arthritis is a growing problem. Key issues therefore include the need for expansion of health care facilities and health care innovations and the prospects to prevent the disease itself and to cope with its consequences and complications. The report is therefore of relevance to all groups involved in the care of rheumatoid arthritis patients and for society as a whole.

Aims and approach In order to chart the way for long-tenn policies in the field of public health, the Dutch government needs to have the best possible insight into potential future trends and the problems to which these could give rise. It was with a view to compiling a number of long-range studies that the independent Steering Committee on Future Health Scenarios was set up in 1983. In 1988 this body appointed a board of experts to sUivey the future of Chronic Diseases. Three chronic diseases have been selected: diabetes mellitus, CNSLD (chronic non-specific lung disease) and rheumatoid arthritis (a chronic disorder of the joints). In close consultation with this board, the study has been conducted by the Department of Epidemiology of the National Institute of Public Health and Environmental Protection in Bilthoven. This report contains the results of the research into CNSLD. The report on diabetes mellitus was published in March 1990, while that on rheumatoid arthritis followed shortly (1991). The series has been concluded with a fmal report (spring 1992), in which, among other things, the results of the three reports have been brought together with a view to arriving at an overall picture of chronic diseases. The research had two main objectives: 1.