Category: EDUCATION

Patients’ Rights in Public Administration: Less Bureaucracy and More Transparency

With Law 5293/2026 (Government Gazette A’57), a new framework is introduced for the operation of Public Administration in Greece, directly linked to patients’ rights in public administration, aiming to create a more citizen-friendly, efficient and transparent system.

These changes affect everyday interactions with public services, improving the way citizens are served, informed and supported.

The main provisions of the law can be grouped into three key pillars:

1. Simplification of procedures and reduction of bureaucracy

A central element of the reform is the simplification of administrative processes.

Article 3 – Replacement of supporting documents

According to Article 3, citizens may, in several cases, replace official supporting documents with a solemn declaration, when these documents cannot be directly retrieved by public services.

In practice, this means:

  • fewer documents need to be submitted
  • public authorities are responsible for retrieving the required information
  • procedures can start immediately without delays

At the same time, verification mechanisms are in place, including checks and sanctions in cases of false declarations.

Article 5 – Faster processing of requests

Article 5 strengthens the obligation of public services to process requests within specific deadlines, reducing delays in administrative procedures.

2. Transparency and digital access to information

The second pillar focuses on improving transparency and access to information.

Article 5 – Case tracking

Citizens are given the ability to digitally monitor the progress of their requests.

They can access information such as:

  • the current stage of the process
  • the estimated completion time
  • the responsible department
  • contact details for further communication

Article 6 – Mandatory publication of circulars

All administrative circulars:

  • must be published online
  • are valid only after publication

This ensures that citizens have access to up-to-date and valid information.

Article 7 – Online publication of public service hours

Public authorities are required to publish and regularly update:

  • their operating hours
  • public service hours

This helps reduce unnecessary visits and waiting times.

3. A new way of operating public administration

The law also introduces a new approach to administrative procedures, aiming to increase efficiency.

Article 4 – Certified professionals

Public administration may collaborate with certified professionals who:

  • are registered in official registries
  • meet specific qualification and certification criteria
  • can prepare reports, certificates or draft decisions used in administrative processes

These professionals are subject to:

  • random checks
  • penalties and fines in case of errors
  • removal from the registry if necessary

At the same time, accountability mechanisms (particularly under Article 3) ensure the reliability of the system.

What this means for patients

While these measures apply to all citizens, they are particularly important in relation to patients’ rights in public administration.

Reducing bureaucracy, enabling digital access to information and speeding up procedures can significantly ease the burden for patients, especially in processes related to:

  • healthcare services
  • benefits and allowances
  • administrative approvals

Towards a more accessible public administration

Law 5293/2026 represents an important step towards a more efficient, transparent and accessible public administration.

For patients and their families, every improvement that reduces complexity and uncertainty is not just an administrative change, but a meaningful support in their daily lives.

You can find the Government Gazette A’57 here (Greek Text): ΦΕΚ Α 57 Ν 5293_2026

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

Kapa3’s Contribution to the 6th Nursing Symposium of Western Macedonia: Digital Health, Empathy, and Patient Navigation

With active participation in a well-established scientific meeting on contemporary nursing issues, Kapa3 took part in the 6th Nursing Symposium of Western Macedonia on “Innovation and Empathy: Balancing Technology with Human Contact in Nursing”, held on March 19–20, 2026, in Ptolemaida.

The Symposium, now a key annual event for the nursing community, serves as a platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and highlighting the multifaceted role of nurses in modern healthcare.

As part of the thematic session “Innovation and Citizen Engagement: Creating Accessible Tools with Empathy”, Ms. Evangeli Bista, co-founder of Kapa3, joined the panel along with Ms. Pisti Krystallidou, President of the NGO WinCancer, showcasing the role of civil society in shaping contemporary, accessible healthcare services.

On March 20, Ms. Evangeli Bista and Ms. Pisti Krystallidou actively participated in the Round Table on the same theme. Ms. Krystallidou presented “Empathy in Practice: What the Caregiver Gains from Health Professionals”, highlighting the daily challenges and support needs of people caring for patients. Ms. Bista emphasized Kapa3’s role and the use of digital tools in guiding patients effectively.

During her presentation, Ms. Bista outlined how the healthcare system is transforming: from episodic care to continuous support, from hospital-centered services to daily-life integration, and from the healthcare professional as the sole source of knowledge to the patient as an active participant. In this new environment, digital health and patient navigation go beyond mere tools, focusing on the citizen’s ability to use them meaningfully in everyday life.

Special attention was given to the needs of oncology patients, who require not only access to information but also guidance through a complex healthcare system—knowing where to turn, what they are entitled to, and how to manage critical decisions in daily life. In this context, the importance of patient navigation was highlighted, a model that Kapa3 has implemented since its foundation, acting as a bridge between available services and patients’ real needs.

Finally, the digital social assistant “Myrto” was presented, serving as a single reference point for patients, facilitating access to information and services, and translating knowledge into practical, everyday support.

Kapa3’s participation in the Symposium highlighted the importance of combining technological innovation with empathy, confirming that the future of oncology care is not only about personalized treatment but also about personalized understanding of each patient’s needs.

Download our Press Release here 

Text/Adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

New Collaboration between Cancer Guidance Center – Kapa3 and the Hellenic Federation of Persons with Multiple Sclerosis (HFoPwMS)

Cancer Guidance Center – Kapa3 announces its new collaboration with the Hellenic Federation of Persons with Multiple Sclerosis (HFoPwMS), strengthening synergies between organizations active in the field of health and patient support.

This collaboration aims to develop joint initiatives that will contribute to raising awareness, promoting public information, and providing meaningful support to people living with chronic conditions, with particular focus on cancer patients and persons living with Multiple Sclerosis. Through the exchange of knowledge, experience and good practices, the two organizations seek to strengthen actions that promote equal access to information, healthcare services and social inclusion for patients.

Cancer Guidance Center – Kapa3 is dedicated to supporting people living with cancer and their caregivers by providing reliable information, practical guidance and access to benefits and services. At the same time, the organization develops initiatives that enhance patients’ awareness of their rights and promote their psychosocial empowerment. Through initiatives such as Mobile Units, digital tools and educational programmes, Kapa3 promotes a patient-centred approach to cancer care, encouraging patients to actively participate in decisions concerning their health and quality of life, while fostering collaborations with organizations working in the fields of health and social support.

The Hellenic Federation of Persons with Multiple Sclerosis (HFoPwMS) is a secondary non-profit organization founded in 2008 with the aim of uniting and supporting primary associations of persons with Multiple Sclerosis across Greece, while also raising awareness about the disease among the wider public. The Federation currently brings together nine primary patient associations from across the country. HFoPwMS implements awareness and advocacy initiatives related to Multiple Sclerosis and works to ensure the equal participation of people with MS in the educational, professional, athletic and cultural life of the country. It is a member of the National Confederation of Disabled People (ESAmeA) and the European Multiple Sclerosis Platform (EMSP).

Within the framework of this collaboration, the two organizations plan to develop joint initiatives such as the organization of conferences, workshops and awareness events, the implementation of information and public awareness campaigns, participation in national and European programmes, as well as the development of joint research initiatives on issues related to patients’ quality of life. The partnership will also contribute to strengthening interdisciplinary cooperation and knowledge exchange among organizations active in the health sector.

This new collaboration reflects the shared vision of the two organizations to strengthen the voice of patients and promote a society that respects, supports and empowers people living with chronic conditions.

Continuing the Journey: Online Group Sessions for Mental Health and Nutrition – Third Cycle with Kapa3 and the LB.H.Sc

Following the warm response to the second cycle of meetings (see the related article here ), focusing on Nutritional Guidance and Experiential Psychological Support, Kapa3 and the Laboratory of Basic Health Sciences (LB.H.Sc), Department of Nursing University of Peloponnese are delighted to continue their collaboration with a third series of online group sessions for mental health and nutrition, dedicated to the holistic care of body and mind, designed for people living with cancer and their caregivers.

In this third cycle, mental health and nutrition are approached as two complementary sides of the same care.

The mental health sessions help participants recognize and manage challenging emotions such as anxiety, fear, sadness, or guilt, strengthen resilience, and cultivate a deeper connection with themselves and others.

The nutrition sessions explore how mindful and balanced eating can support the body, improve energy and mood, and become a meaningful act of self-care. Food is not only a necessity but also a way to nurture the body, mind, and spirit.

Program of Online Sessions for Mental Health and Nutrition & Themes

  • Saturday, February 28, 2026, 17:30–19:00
    Myths and truths about “anti-cancer” diets. How to evaluate nutritional information and avoid risky practices.

  • Saturday, March 14, 2026, 17:30–19:00
    Stress and uncertainty: practical ways to manage them during treatments and exams.

  • Saturday, March 21, 2026, 17:30–19:00
    Giving space to emotions without being overwhelmed: recognizing and expressing fear, anger, sadness, and guilt.

  • Saturday, March 28, 2026, 17:30–19:00
    Nutritional support during treatment & the role of cachexia.

  • Saturday, April 25, 2026, 17:30–19:00
    Boundaries without guilt: protecting energy and mental resilience.

  • Saturday, May 9, 2026, 17:30–19:00
    Safe cooking practices & kitchen hygiene.

  • Saturday, May 23, 2026, 17:30–19:00
    Family and illness: changes in relationships and ways to support each other.

  • Saturday, June 6, 2026, 17:30–19:00
    The Tree of Life: who I am beyond the illness.

  • Saturday, June 13, 2026, 17:30–19:00
    What gives meaning to life now: discovering small but meaningful elements that sustain us.

Format & Participation

The meetings are held online, based on dialogue, experiential learning, and the sharing of personal experiences. Everyone participates at their own pace, in a warm environment of acceptance and trust. Consistent attendance helps build safety and confidence within the group.

To express your interest or join the first session of the third cycle (Saturday, February 28, 17:30–19:00): [Registration Link]

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

Holistic Cancer Care: Successful Webinar on Cancer, Patient Navigation & Health Management

The webinar “Cancer, Patient Navigation & Health Management: From Prevention to Life Coordination” was successfully completed, presenting contemporary challenges and practices in holistic oncology care, patient navigation, and patients’ digital literacy.

The online educational initiative, organized by René Descartes College in collaboration with the Kapa3 Cancer Patient Guidance Center, highlighted the importance of a human-centered approach to cancer, patient navigation, digital innovation, and the enhancement of patients’ digital literacy, combining scientific knowledge with practical support at every stage of the disease.

Holistic cancer care integrates scientific knowledge with practical support at all stages of the disease, enhancing patient engagement and quality of life.

During the webinar, the speakers shared valuable insights and experiences:

Maria Gazouli, PhD – Professor of Biology-Genetics-Nanomedicine:
She emphasized that cancer is a chronic, multifactorial disease where quality of life is as important as survival. The holistic approach treats the person as a whole—physically, psychologically, socially, and environmentally—and requires an interdisciplinary team with active patient participation in every decision. She highlighted the importance of personalized medicine and the role of family support.

Dr. Christos A. Frantzidis – Assistant Professor, University of Lincoln:
He presented CREATE, a comprehensive digital system that transforms patients’ daily experiences into valuable knowledge for clinicians, supporting timely interventions and personalized care. He stressed that artificial intelligence does not replace humans but assists clinicians in safe decision-making, reduces workload, and improves patients’ quality of life.

Dr. Maria Lavdaniti, PhD – Professor of Clinical Nursing, International Hellenic University (IHU):
She underscored the critical role of the oncology nurse in administering therapies, managing symptoms, and providing psychosocial support to patients and their families. She emphasized the importance of continuous patient education, managing long-term side effects, and interdisciplinary collaboration to improve quality of life.

Dr. Vasiliki Kapaki – Professor of Health Economics, René Descartes College:
She highlighted the role of technology in oncology, from prevention and screening to treatment and post-therapy care. She stressed that digital literacy is a prerequisite for health equity, enabling patients to understand risks, participate in decision-making, and safely follow their therapeutic pathways.

Evangelia Bista, PhD, Co-Founder of Kapa3:
She presented the work and mission of Kapa3, which supports over 7,000 families and 1,500 patients in Greece, offering guidance, information on patients’ rights, psychological support, and personalized digital tools. Her presentation included the main pillars of Kapa3’s work—website, request management, educational programs—as well as the organization’s 2026 action plans, such as Wellness in Motion, Cancer Wellness Open House Day, and digital innovations with AI and personalized service systems.

Ms. Bista highlighted that upgraded digital services with AI tools, such as Myrto, the first digital assistant/chatbot in Greece, part of Kapa3’s 2026 projects, will enable personalized services based on patient profiles, streamline processes, and reduce bureaucracy. It is clear that, combined with human guidance, the development of digital literacy is a key tool for equitable access, quality of life, and active patient engagement throughout the disease.

The webinar concluded with an open discussion and Q&A, giving participants the opportunity to interact with the speakers and exchange experiences. The initiative emphasized that technology and digital literacy do not replace humans but enhance guidance, safety, and equity in care, while holistic care remains at the center of every initiative.

We sincerely thank René Descartes College for hosting and flawlessly organizing the event, as well as all the outstanding speakers for sharing their knowledge and inspiration with the audience.

You can find some screenshots from the webinar below:

You can find the Press Release file here

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the fight against cancer.The European Cancer Organisation’s “Harnessing AI for Cancer Care in Europe” report

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the fight against cancer, enabling machines to learn, reason, and assist humans in detecting, diagnosing and treating the disease more accurately and efficiently. It works by analysing vast amounts of data, learning patterns, and making predictions or recommendations to support human decision-making.

Cancer care is rapidly transforming with the use of AI, which serves as a powerful tool in prevention, detection, treatment and research of the disease. The European Cancer Organisation’s “Harnessing AI for Cancer Care in Europe” report states that AI has the potential to transform every stage of the cancer pathway. Simultaneously, the report emphasises the need for AI to be used responsibly, by protecting patients, upholding ethical standards, and aligning with European values, to ensure its benefits are delivered fairly and effectively across healthcare systems.

The Promise of AI in Cancer Care

The report highlights several ways AI can improve cancer outcomes across the care pathway. In primary prevention, AI can analyse genetic, environmental, and lifestyle data to identify high-risk patients and guide preventive strategies before symptoms appear. For early detection, AI can dramatically speed up screening, reducing test interpretation from days to hours, improving accuracy, and lowering missed diagnoses. In diagnostics, deep-learning models trained on large datasets can detect even the smallest lesions, prioritise urgent cases, and support more precise diagnoses. AI also enables personalised treatment by integrating tumour genomics, imaging data, and real-world outcomes to help clinicians select the most effective therapies for individual patients. Finally, in drug development, AI can identify promising compounds and targets, shortening traditional development cycles and discovering new uses for existing medicines.

Challenges That Cannot Be Ignored

However, the report also highlights significant risks associated with AI in cancer care. Key concerns include regulatory gaps as AI tools advance faster than current rules, making it challenging to ensure they remain safe, accurate, and accountable. Many promising AI systems require further validation in real-world clinical settings, as untested tools could lead to misdiagnoses or unsafe decisions. Bias and inequity are also risks, since AI trained on unrepresentative data may produce less accurate recommendations for specific patient groups. Implementation barriers, such as limited infrastructure, funding, and trained staff, can hinder the integration of AI into everyday healthcare. Finally, trust issues may arise, as both patients and clinicians need to understand and have confidence in AI systems for them to be effectively adopted.

Policy Recommendations: A Roadmap for Safe and Effective Use

To tackle these challenges, the report puts forward four key recommendations. First, it calls for national standards and validation frameworks, including speciality-specific rules and post-market monitoring of AI tools. Second, it emphasises the importance of training and literacy, proposing pan-European AI education to ensure that at least 50% of oncology professionals are confident in using AI by 2030. Third, the report urges robust regulatory guidance and oversight, including EU-wide support for data protection under GDPR, implementation of the AI Act, and strong patient engagement to ensure clinical accountability. Finally, it highlights the need for investment in data infrastructure, leveraging the European Health Data Space to harmonise systems, modernise cancer registries, and build representative datasets that support safe and effective AI deployment.

Why This Matters for Kapa3

Building on these advancements, K3 is preparing to launch its digital assistant, “Myrto”, in 2026. Designed to harness the power of AI, “Myrto” will support patients and healthcare professionals across the cancer care pathway. By integrating cutting-edge AI capabilities with user-friendly guidance, “Myrto” exemplifies K3’s commitment to improving outcomes, streamlining workflows, and empowering both patients and clinicians in Europe’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.

To see the full article, please click here.

https://www.europeancancer.org/resources/publications/harnessing-ai-for-cancer-care-in-europe.html

The Impact of the Kapa3 Internship Programme: 30 Young Professionals in Our First 5 Years of Operation

The Impact of the Kapa3 Internship Programme: 30 Young Professionals in Our First 5 Years of Operation

In the five years since our establishment, thirty young people have had the opportunity to learn and grow through the Kapa3 Internship Programme.

International scientific literature highlights that internships are far more than a first work experience. They serve as a fundamental mechanism of experiential learning, enabling students to connect theoretical knowledge with real-world professional contexts.

Through their involvement in a civil society organisation like Kapa3, interns developed reflective and critical thinking skills—core elements of modern professional education. By engaging with real needs and challenges, students strengthened their professional identity and gained a deeper understanding of their role as future practitioners in health and social services. In many cases, the internship at Kapa3 played a significant role in supporting their transition from university to the labour market, enhancing their confidence, social skills, and clarity of professional direction.

Furthermore, the structured field experiences offered opportunities to build professional networks, a key factor in long-term career development.

At Kapa3, the value of internships is evident across all aspects of our work. We strive to create an environment where students can deepen their academic knowledge, apply their skills to real cases, and map out the next steps of their careers with realism and self-awareness.

The result is a community of young professionals who are both socially conscious and scientifically equipped to contribute meaningfully to health and social care. We are proud to be at the forefront of education and warmly thank our partner universities for their trust and collaboration.

 

Scientific Seminar: Psychosocial Support after Cancer Treatment and Post-Traumatic Growth

The Psychology Laboratory of INEB/CEST (Institute of Applied Biosciences / CERTH), with the support of the Municipality of Thessaloniki, is organizing on Saturday, 1 November 2025 (10:00–15:00), at the “Manolis Anagnostakis” Hall of the Thessaloniki City Hall, the scientific seminar “Psychosocial Support after Cancer Treatment and Post-Traumatic Growth.”

The event, initiated by the Psychology Laboratory as part of the IC-GROWTH research project, focuses on the psychological and social dimensions of life after cancer treatment, highlighting good practices for care, empowerment, and post-traumatic growth.

The program includes expert presentations and an open discussion with the audience, featuring researchers, healthcare professionals, and representatives from patient associations.

Participation is free, but pre-registration is required through the following form:
Registration Form

This seminar offers a valuable opportunity for learning and sharing experiences on psychosocial support and care after cancer treatment.

Kapa3 supports initiatives that strengthen mental health and quality of life for individuals who have experienced cancer.

Date: Saturday, 1 November 2025
Time: 10:00–15:00
Location: “Manolis Anagnostakis” Hall, Thessaloniki City Hall

KAPA3 at the ESMO Congress: Inspiration and Confirmation That We Are Moving Towards the Future

From October 17 to 20, we attended the ESMO World Congress in Berlin. The event stood out for the active participation of the Greek medical community, which led presentations on clinical data, Real-World Evidence, and up-to-date education in collaboration with the global oncology community. At the same time, Greek teams received awards in various areas (medical, nursing, institutional), inspiring us all with hope for the ongoing developments in oncology care.

Our main goal as KAPA3 was to focus on research addressing the real needs of the population within the framework of the global community. Collaborating with healthcare professionals from around the world allowed us to gather valuable knowledge and experiences. The intensive sessions and discussions broadened our understanding and prompted reflection on the next steps.

Key challenges identified for the patient advocacy community were:

  1. Mandatory multidisciplinary assessment before starting treatment
    No patient should begin treatment without undergoing a multidisciplinary assessment, including an oncology nurse, social scientist, and psychologist. This should be considered the minimum standard for all cancer patients.
  2. Certification and quality of multidisciplinary teams
    It is our duty to ensure that these teams meet quality standards. Their certification is undoubtedly complex. However, for us at KAPA3, multidisciplinary care is a fundamental criterion for service provision and must be certified. Quality care can significantly improve patient outcomes, as shown by clinical studies and research presented at this year’s congress, with potential improvements in overall survival of up to 10% (Sweden).

We are deeply proud that our work is guided by these standards precisely. In an era of remarkable progress in medicine and new therapies, we continue to strengthen the institution of research and multidisciplinary care, ensuring accessibility and patient-centered approaches aimed at quality of life.

This is the third time we have presented our efforts at an ESMO congress, in collaboration with the International University and the Nursing Department, highlighting our presence at every level. Meanwhile, trainings for other healthcare professionals take place annually within our organization in collaboration with Greek universities.

For Greek patients and their environment, we have not yet reached a point where the quality of care is considered a key objective for the entire oncology community. Our aim is to align with efforts across Europe so that, in the future, multidisciplinary assessments from the first day of diagnosis become standard practice within therapeutic protocols.

At KAPA3, we understand that quality care, inherently multidisciplinary, requires collective effort and collaboration between organizations and professionals to determine the best possible standards.

Continuing the Journey: Holistic Body and Mind Care with Kapa3 and the University of the Peloponnese

After the first round of meetings held in April (see the related article here), focusing on Nutritional Guidance and Experiential Psychological Support, Kapa3 and the University of the Peloponnese continue their collaboration with a new series of experiential workshops dedicated to the holistic care of body and mind.

The meetings are open to people living with cancer, caregivers, and healthcare professionals — to anyone seeking a space for genuine communication, understanding, and empowerment.

In this new cycle, mental health and nutrition are approached as two sides of the same care.

In the mental health sessions, participants learn to recognize and manage challenging emotions such as anxiety or fear, strengthen their resilience, and cultivate a deeper connection with themselves and others.

At the same time, the nutrition sessions explore how balanced and mindful eating can support the body, enhance energy and mood, and become an act of self-care and self-respect. Food is not only a necessity but also a way to show love — to the body, the soul, and to life itself.

The meetings are held online and are based on dialogue, experiential learning, and the sharing of personal experiences. Everyone participates at their own pace, in a warm environment of acceptance and trust.

To express your interest: Registration Form for the Support Group for People with Cancer

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia for Kapa3