The REAL-PANLAR Project originated as a pioneering initiative in Latin America to standardize care in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and lay the foundations for a regional system of Centers of Excellence. At a meeting in Bogotá, 22 rheumatologists from 16 Latin American countries, along with two RA patients and two healthcare excellence advisors, participated—consolidating an inclusive approach with a high scientific standard.

During this session, a five-step modified RAND-Delphi process was applied to define and validate minimum standards of quality of care. Three levels of certification—standard, optimal, and model—were structured, based on indicators of structure, process, and outcome, including patient experience. Each standard was approved with at least 60% affirmative votes during the consensus.

The consensus generated a unanimous commitment to establish accredited RA centers across the region, being the first Latin American initiative with these characteristics. This effort strengthened PANLAR’s mission: to promote quality rheumatology care, foster research, and improve access to affordable and safe therapies.

Since then, REAL-PANLAR has evolved significantly. Initially created as a special study group, it enabled the development of clinical protocols, manuals, and pilot projects that served as a model. Its impact consolidated the transition toward a PANLAR Accreditation Committee, expanding certification to multiple diseases beyond RA, such as spondyloarthritis and psoriatic disease.

This historical journey marks a milestone in Latin American rheumatology: from a collaborative experiment to a robust institutional platform that recognizes and certifies clinical excellence in multiple rheumatic diseases.