Category: Caregiver support

Kapa3 in the second half of April: Information, collaborations and strengthening patient care

Kapa3 in April

Throughout April, Kapa3 continued to develop actions and initiatives aimed at improving access to care for oncology patients and their families, with a strong focus on information, prevention, and the development of innovative collaborations.

This period’s activities focused on raising awareness about key cancer types, improving patients’ daily lives through policy and systemic developments, and expanding partnerships that enhance the quality of care and services provided.

In an ever-evolving healthcare environment, the connection between reliable information, human support, and technology remains a key pillar for a more accessible and effective care system.

Below are the main initiatives and developments that marked the second half of the month.

Awareness

April is an awareness month for head and neck cancer as well as testicular cancer, highlighting the importance of prevention and early diagnosis. Although these types of cancer are often underrepresented in public discourse, awareness plays a crucial role in reducing late diagnoses and improving patients’ quality of life.

Patients’ rights

Important developments took place in the field of patients’ rights, including the establishment of the National Registry for Hospital-at-Home Care (NOSPI), aiming to better organise and ensure the safety of home-based care.

At the same time, the new framework for Public Administration introduces changes that directly affect citizens’ daily lives, enhancing transparency, reducing bureaucracy, and improving access to public services.

Collaborations

During April, Kapa3 further strengthened its network of collaborations through significant partnerships.

The collaboration with the PRAXI Network/FORTH, within the European smartHEALTH hub, enhances participation in innovation and health policy initiatives, opening new opportunities at European level.

In addition, the partnership with Karkinaki focuses on supporting children, adolescents, and families living with cancer, promoting a holistic approach to care.

Furthermore, the collaboration with SimasiaAI for the development of “Myrto”, an AI-powered digital assistant, highlights the importance of technology in empowering patients and improving access to reliable information and services.

Research & knowledge

A new international report on person-centred cancer care highlights the need for a holistic model that places the patient at the centre. This approach recognises not only clinical needs but also psychosocial dimensions, reinforcing the importance of patient involvement in decision-making.

Patients & society

On the occasion of European Patients’ Rights Day (18 April), Kapa3 highlighted the importance of equal access to quality care. Despite progress, challenges such as inequalities and delays remain, making the continued strengthening of support structures essential.

Supporting our work

Kapa3’s collection of handmade scarves continues to serve as a creative way of supporting the organisation’s mission, combining aesthetics with meaningful contribution to people living with cancer.

We continue to monitor developments and work towards improving patients’ daily lives — more news coming soon.

Text/adaptation: Ifigenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

MELODIC Online Symposium: completion of the pilot training phase and strengthening psychosocial cancer care

The European project MELODIC (Mental Health Support for Young Adults with Cancer), in which the Cancer Guidance Center – Kapa3 participates, is being implemented through distinct development phases. The pilot training programme for healthcare professionals is one of its core components, and within this framework, the MELODIC Online Symposium 2026, taking place on 24 April 2026, marks the completion of this educational phase.

The MELODIC project framework

MELODIC is a European project co-funded by the European Union, aiming to strengthen the mental health of young adults living with cancer, as well as to support their families. Through the collaboration of universities, research institutions and healthcare organizations across Europe, the project develops training and support tools for healthcare professionals.

More information about the project and its progress is available on the official Kapa3 website, in the dedicated project section.

The pilot training programme

The pilot training programme focused on enhancing the knowledge and skills of healthcare professionals in providing psychosocial support to young adults with cancer and their families.

As part of the programme, online sessions and contact lessons were delivered, aiming to strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration and support the practical application of tools in everyday clinical practice.

MELODIC Online Symposium 2026

The MELODIC Online Symposium 2026, a two-hour event, brings together participants from all partner countries and includes:

  • opening presentations from the European Cancer Organisation and Youth Cancer Europe
  • an “experts by experience” panel, where individuals share their lived experience
  • a networking panel with healthcare professionals from participating countries
  • discussion on how training can be applied in clinical practice
  • a closing session by the project coordination team

From training to clinical practice

A key objective of the MELODIC training programme is to strengthen the psychosocial dimension of cancer care, with particular focus on young adults.

The exchange of experiences among healthcare professionals contributes to more holistic approaches to care and supports the integration of psychosocial support into daily clinical practice.

The role of Kapa3

Kapa3 actively participates in the European MELODIC consortium, contributing to the implementation of the training activities and the dissemination of results in Greece. Through this involvement, the connection between scientific knowledge and the support of cancer patients is further strengthened, promoting the development of practical approaches to psychosocial care.

The MELODIC Online Symposium 2026 marks the transition from the pilot training phase to the next stage of utilizing its outcomes, reinforcing the link between education and real-world application in cancer care.

The Press Release here: PRESS-RELEASE-MELODIC SYMPOSIUM

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

New National Patient Registry for Hospital-at-Home Care (NOSPI)

Patient care at home in Greece is becoming more organized and secure with the establishment of the National Registry of Patients Receiving Hospital-at-Home Care (NOSPI), as published in Government Gazette 1995/07.04.2026. The NOSPI program is already in pilot implementation at selected hospitals nationwide, with the goal of full development and operation by the end of 2026, including a digital platform and patient registry.

The new registry aims to systematically record patients receiving NOSPI services, ensuring that care is tailored to individual therapeutic needs. Patient groups eligible for inclusion include, among others, those with tracheostomies, on non-invasive mechanical ventilation, receiving long-term oxygen therapy, on parenteral or gastrostomy feeding, as well as those requiring intensive physiotherapy or mobility rehabilitation. Currently, enrollment primarily focuses on children with severe health conditions and chronically ill patients needing pulmonary care, in collaboration with pilot Reference Centers.

While the NOSPI program is already operating in a pilot phase, universal access for all patients in the country has not yet been achieved. Its development is gradual, with full operation—including digital infrastructure and registry-based documentation—planned by the end of 2026. Strengthening Hospital-at-Home care enables better monitoring and improvement of home care services for patients with long-term needs.

Through the registry, authorities can collect accurate and essential health data, enhancing the quality of services and supporting the design of targeted health policies. Implementation respects personal data protection in line with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), ensuring transparency and public trust.

For families and caregivers, patient enrollment in the NOSPI National Registry means access to more coordinated care, with support delivered directly to their homes. Furthermore, documentation helps evaluate and improve home nursing services, enhancing patient safety and quality of life.

This initiative, combined with the development of the digital platform and registry, aims not only to upgrade home care services but also to reduce hospital congestion and ensure high-quality services for all patients in the future.

Sources (text in Greek) : Government Gazette NOSPI, ODIPY

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

Kapa3 and Doctorhomie: Joining Forces to Support Cancer Patients

Kapa3 is pleased to announce the signing of a memorandum of cooperation with the digital home-care platform Doctorhomie. The Kapa3–Doctorhomie collaboration aims to strengthen support for cancer patients and their families across Greece.

Since its establishment, the Cancer Guidance Center – Kapa3 has been actively working to provide meaningful guidance to people living with cancer and their caregivers, with a strong focus on access to benefits and services, information about patients’ rights, and psychosocial support. Through Mobile Units, digital tools and educational initiatives, the organization promotes patient-centred care, creates channels of communication with beneficiaries and strengthens their participation in decisions concerning their health. Kapa3’s philosophy is grounded in building partnerships, leveraging technology and fostering collaborations with organizations that share the same vision.

Doctorhomie, on the other hand, is redefining home-based care in Greece by offering an integrated digital platform that connects patients with physicians, nurses, psychologists, physiotherapists and caregivers. Through tools that enhance monitoring and management of care at home, Doctorhomie contributes to strengthening Primary Health Care, promoting prevention, supporting families and improving both the safety and quality of care.

The new collaboration between Kapa3 and Doctorhomie opens opportunities for joint initiatives at multiple levels, including:

  • the organization of workshops, conferences and webinars aimed at informing patients, promoting quality of care and strengthening trust between patients and their treating physicians, particularly within the context of home-based care and Primary Health Care,

  • awareness and information campaigns focusing on prevention, the fight against myths and stigma, and a better understanding of patients’ symptoms and needs,

  • participation and collaboration in national and European programmes that promote innovation in oncology care and strengthen digital tools for patients and caregivers,

  • joint research initiatives on topics of shared interest, with the aim of supporting scientific evidence, disseminating knowledge and contributing to health policy development at both national and European level.

This partnership is founded on the shared belief that patient care begins with information and support, is strengthened through education and collaboration, and evolves through the combined use of technology and patient-centred practices.

Kapa3 and Doctorhomie are committed to making the most of this collaboration in order to strengthen patients’ participation in decisions regarding their health, reduce inequalities and provide timely and effective support to those who need it.

With a shared vision of quality and accessible care, Kapa3 and Doctorhomie are opening a new chapter of cooperation in support of cancer patients in Greece.

Download our Press Release in pdf or word

Kapa3 Collaboration with the Municipality of Meteora to Establish a Cancer Patient Support Office

Kapa3 launches collaboration with the Municipality of Meteora to establish a support office for cancer patients and their families, strengthening local social services and providing practical assistance to patients and families affected by cancer.

The initiative for this establishment was taken by the Municipality of Meteora and approved by the Municipal Council, aiming to improve access to services and information for patients. The office will operate within the Kalampaka Community Center and will be staffed by a social worker and a psychologist, in collaboration with the “Help at Home” program.

The Cancer Guidance Center – Kapa3 will provide scientific guidance and prepare the tools and methodologies for the office’s operation, including collecting social histories, recording requests, and guiding patients and their families.

This office, as a support office for cancer patients, will offer free services such as:

  • Guidance on rights and benefits (KEPA, social tariffs, work schedule adjustments, allowances).

  • Patient file management to reduce bureaucratic burden.

  • Social and psychosocial support for patients and families.

  • Collaboration with local social and health services.

In addition, the support office will act as an information hub for the local community, providing interested individuals with information on prevention, awareness programs, and solidarity initiatives. In this way, it enhances not only the direct support for patients but also the wider community’s awareness and engagement with the needs of their fellow citizens.

In a statement, Mayor Lefteris Avramopoulos emphasizes:

“The establishment of the Patient Service Office for Neoplastic Diseases is a policy choice focused on people. The Municipality of Meteora takes responsibility to stand truly beside our fellow citizens, ensuring support, dignity, and effective access to their rights.”

The goal of the collaboration is to ensure timely and equitable access for cancer patients and their caregivers to reliable information and supportive services, reducing the stress and psychosocial burden often accompanying the disease.

Kapa3, with experience in patient guidance across Greece and an already functioning similar structure in the Municipality of Megara, continues to expand its network of collaborations with local authorities, strengthening the connection between social services and patients.

The collaboration with the Municipality of Meteora represents another step toward creating a stable framework for supporting cancer patients at a regional level, focusing on people and their real needs.

Download our press release in pdf or word

Launch of Free MELODIC Training Programme – Greece

We are pleased to announce the launch of the free eight-week online training programme implemented in Greece within the framework of the European project MELODIC, in which Kapa3 participates as one of 13 partner organisations from 6 European countries.

The programme is addressed to doctors, nurses, other health professionals, and social care professionals working in oncology.

MELODIC is an international collaboration aimed at strengthening mental health support for young adults with cancer and their families, promoting high-quality, holistic oncology care.

Through the programme, participants will have the opportunity to develop skills in:

  • Assessing mental health needs using validated and evidence-based tools

  • Supporting families and caregivers

  • Delivering high-quality psychosocial care

  • Interprofessional collaboration

  • Sustaining personal and professional wellbeing

The programme is divided into an asynchronous part (on the Moodle platform), which participants can complete at their own pace, and four contact lessons, constituting the synchronous part via Zoom. Upon completion, participants will receive 5 ECTS credits and a certificate of completion.

Sessions will take place from March to April 2026.

The contribution of health professionals is crucial for the accurate assessment of mental health needs of young adults with cancer and their families, as well as for delivering high-quality, person-centred care. The MELODIC programme strengthens their skills, promoting collaboration, responsibility, and sustainable professional practice in oncology.

For further information, please contact:
Ifiyenia Anastasiou
email: ifi.k3team@gmail.com | phone: 690.62.65.170

February 15 – International Childhood and Adolescent Cancer Day

February 15 is dedicated to International Childhood and Adolescent Cancer Day, a day to raise awareness for children and adolescents facing cancer and for the families who stand by them through this particularly challenging journey.

Globally, over 400,000 children and adolescents aged 0–19 are diagnosed with cancer each year. In high-income countries, more than 80% of children survive thanks to medical advancements and improved treatment protocols. However, inequalities in access to timely diagnosis and appropriate care remain significant. The World Health Organization has set a goal to improve survival rates worldwide by 2030 by strengthening healthcare systems and access to treatment.

In Greece, approximately 300–350 children are diagnosed with cancer each year, with leukemia and central nervous system tumors being the most common types. Survival rates have improved significantly in recent decades, highlighting the importance of specialized medical and psychosocial care.

The experience of cancer at such a young age does not end with the completion of treatment. It often leaves an imprint that accompanies children into adulthood — a stage where challenges change form but the need for support remains.

FROM ADOLESCENCE TO YOUNG ADULTHOOD: THE NEED FOR CONTINUOUS CARE

Young adults aged 18–35 who have experienced cancer form a particularly vulnerable and often “invisible” group, situated between pediatric and adult oncology care. A diagnosis or long-term effects of the disease during this life stage can deeply impact independence, education, work, relationships, and future plans.

References
World Health Organization (WHO). Childhood cancer – Key facts. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cancer-in-children
World Health Organization (WHO). Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer. https://www.who.int/initiatives/global-initiative-for-childhood-cancer
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Global Cancer Observatory – Childhood Cancer Data. https://gco.iarc.fr
Hellenic Society of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology (EEPAO). https://www.eepao.gr

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3