Category: Academic Research

New MELODIC Scientific Publication on the Mental Health of Young Adults with Cancer

Kapa3 participates in the new scientific publication of the European MELODIC project, entitled:

“Educational Needs Regarding Mental Health of Professionals Working with Young Adults with Cancer: A European Survey.”

The publication addresses a highly important issue in contemporary cancer care: the educational needs of healthcare professionals working with young adults with cancer, particularly in relation to recognising and supporting mental health concerns.

Young adults experiencing cancer often face complex psychosocial challenges. Diagnosis, treatment, changes in daily life, impact on studies, work, relationships, body image and future planning can deeply affect their mental health and quality of life.

The European study, involving 271 healthcare professionals from 21 countries, highlighted an important gap between professionals’ willingness to support patients and the systematic use of validated assessment tools. While approximately half of the participating professionals reported feeling confident in identifying mental health issues, only a small percentage reported using validated screening tools.

This finding is particularly important. It shows that awareness and professional experience are valuable, but they are not enough on their own. Targeted education, appropriate tools, interdisciplinary collaboration and clear support pathways are needed so that the needs of young adults with cancer can be recognised early and addressed in a comprehensive way.

The message of the publication is clear: the education of healthcare professionals can make a meaningful difference in the early recognition, support and care of young adults with cancer.

At Kapa3, this approach is a core principle of our work. Before every intervention and every support action, there is education, information and empowerment of the people who stand beside patients.

Kapa3 professionals and collaborators are trained, informed and actively involved in European projects such as MELODIC, ensuring that the support provided is evidence-informed, human-centred and meaningful.

Kapa3’s active participation in such scientific initiatives strengthens its role as an organisation that connects research with practice, European knowledge with real patient needs, and education with everyday care.

We are proud of our participation in the MELODIC project and of our contribution to a European effort that highlights the importance of mental health, early recognition and targeted education in cancer care.

More information: https://lnkd.in/e9Pw4epy

Research studies giving voice to lived experience

At Kapa3, we actively encourage participation in health research studies, as we work every day alongside people affected by cancer, whether as patients or caregivers. Through this work, it becomes increasingly clear how important it is to truly listen to lived experience.

For this reason, the research initiatives we support or contribute to are not just questionnaires. They are a way to better understand the needs, experiences and priorities of the community we serve.

Through participation in these studies, individuals who are at the centre of the cancer experience are given the opportunity to share their reality. Every response, every story, every contribution adds another piece to a broader picture: a more meaningful and human-centred approach to care and support.

The contribution of each participant is highly valuable. The data collected helps us identify needs that are often not visible, better understand challenges, and design actions that reflect the real everyday lives of people.

Through participation in health research studies, lived experience can be transformed into knowledge that makes a real difference. Each study we support is part of a broader effort to understand the experiences of patients and caregivers.

Below you will find the current research studies open for participation, organised by target audience.

Each health research study includes a short description of its purpose and how participation contributes to the overall research effort.

For healthcare professionals

Patient safety culture in hospitals

A pilot study focused on the translation and adaptation of the international SOPS® Hospital Survey 2.0 developed by the AHRQ, adapted for the Greek hospital setting.

The aim of the study is to evaluate the clarity, comprehension and suitability of the tool through the participation of healthcare professionals working in hospital environments.

The study also includes a test–retest phase to assess the stability of responses over time.

Participation: https://forms.gle/Jev7mQ95vt1swtXF7

For research networks and collaborations

sleepCare – sleep quality assessment

The sleepCare research initiative, in collaboration with Christos Frantzidis (University of Lincoln) and his research team, explores sleep quality through real-life experiences and self-reported data from participants.

The aim is to better understand the factors that influence sleep in everyday life through anonymous data collection and short questionnaires.

English questionnaire: https://lnkd.in/e7wYjspX
Greek questionnaire: https://lnkd.in/ejbjGQPC
Platform: https://lnkd.in/e7YHUXdi

For breast cancer survivors

Survivorship experience and quality of life

A thesis-based research study examining fear of cancer recurrence, quality of life, and the role of social support among breast cancer survivors in Greece.

The aim is to better understand post-treatment experiences and the factors that influence psychosocial well-being.

Participation: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeUgku0yi7LBGg42v_FeKtzVsj5F5uw8hYr-y-hcVKL-fhoeQ/viewform

For patients with respiratory conditions and caregivers

Lung transplantation experiences in Greece

A nationwide study collecting experiences, needs and perspectives of patients with respiratory conditions and their caregivers regarding lung transplantation.

The aim is to capture lived experience across all stages of the disease in order to improve care pathways and healthcare services.

The study is open to patients with respiratory conditions (transplanted or not) as well as their caregivers.

Participation: https://forms.gle/66h4CQJK3pdr1gKK7
Information: https://www.cysticfibrosis.gr/draseis/lung-transplant-working-group/

Text/Adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3