The purpose of the Icelandic Rheumatology Association is "to improve the quality of life of people with rheumatic diseases". The association's role is to inform, educate and support people with rheumatism in all respects. The work is focused on social work and prevention in a broad sense. The Association offers maintenance rehabilitation (physical and occupational therapy), organized gymnastics, education and counseling for people with rheumatism and their families. The association supports research on rheumatism and was the initiator of the establishment of the Rheumatism Research Laboratory at Landpítali Hospital.