Kapa3-collaborations Archives

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

Kapa3 partners with PRAXI Network (FORTH) to boost international networking and access to European funding opportunities

The Cancer Guidance Center – Kapa3 announces its partnership with the PRAXI Network of the Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas (FORTH), within the framework of the European Digital Innovation Hub smartHEALTH: European Digital Innovation Hub for Smart Health – Precision Medicine and Innovative e-Health Services.

This collaboration is part of the broader Digital Europe Programme 2021–2027 and aims to strengthen Kapa3’s participation in research, innovation, and health policy initiatives, focusing on improving services and enhancing the quality of life of oncology patients.

Within this partnership, Kapa3 will receive substantial support in identifying and leveraging funding opportunities through systematic information and expert guidance on available programmes at European, national, and regional level, including Horizon Europe, EU4Health, Erasmus+, and EIT Health. At the same time, its capacity to actively participate in competitive proposals and collaborative projects will be reinforced, expanding its potential to develop innovative initiatives in the health sector.

Particular emphasis is also placed on the development of strategic partnerships with universities, research centres, and healthcare organisations across Europe. Through targeted support in partner identification and the exploration of synergies, Kapa3 strengthens its position within the European research and innovation ecosystem, creating opportunities for participation in international consortia.

In parallel, the collaboration contributes to enhancing the organisation’s international presence and networking capacity through participation in thematic conferences, brokerage events, and matchmaking initiatives in the fields of public health, digital health, social innovation, and patient-centred care.

This Kapa3 PRAXI Network partnership is expected to act as a catalyst for strengthening Kapa3’s outward-looking orientation and sustainable development, reinforcing its role as an active and dynamic stakeholder in the field of health and patient support at both national and European level.

The support services are provided within the smartHEALTH framework and are co-funded by European and national resources.

The Founding Sponsor of the “Myrto”Health Navigator is the TIMA Foundation.

Press release source: PRESS-RELEASE-PRAXI-Network-–-FORTH

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

Kapa3 and Karkinaki join forces to support children, adolescents, and families living with cancer

The Cancer Guidance Center – Kapa3 announces its new collaboration with the non-profit organization “Karkinaki”, aiming to strengthen information, psychosocial support, and awareness around childhood and adolescent cancer, as well as to support families experiencing the disease.

Karkinaki is a specialized organization working in the field of childhood and adolescent cancer, focusing on reliable information, empowering parents and caregivers, and fostering a supportive environment around children and teenagers affected by cancer. Through community-based actions and awareness initiatives, it seeks to reduce the sense of isolation that often accompanies diagnosis, while also enhancing understanding, social awareness, and access to available support resources for families.

Within the framework of this collaboration, the two organizations will develop joint initiatives focused on information and awareness-raising, with an emphasis on actions addressing both families and healthcare and support professionals. The partnership will also include the co-organization of informational events, the exchange of good practices, and the exploration of participation in national and European programs that promote a holistic approach to patient care, with an emphasis on continuity of support across all stages of the disease experience.

The Cancer Guidance Center – Kapa3 is dedicated to informing, guiding, and empowering people affected by cancer, providing practical support and access to reliable information and services. At the same time, it develops initiatives that strengthen patients’ active participation in managing their health and promotes a more accessible and human-centered model of care.

In this context, Kapa3 is also involved in European collaborations focusing on the psychosocial dimension of cancer across different stages of life, such as the MELODIC project, which addresses the mental health of young adults with lived experience of cancer. This work further enhances the organization’s ability to recognize needs that emerge throughout the cancer journey, from childhood to adulthood.

This collaboration with Karkinaki reflects the shared vision of both organizations to strengthen a support network that goes beyond medical treatment, extending into families’ daily lives, information access, and psychosocial empowerment, with the aim of providing a more stable and meaningful presence for those who need it most.

Our Press Release here: KARKINAKI PRESS RELEASE

Text: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

Kapa3 announces collaboration with SimasiaAI for the development of the Health Navigator “Myrto” (Myrto AI Assistant)

The Kapa3 – Cancer Guidance Center announces its collaboration with SimasiaAI, for the co-development of the Health Navigator “Myrto” (Myrto AI Assistant), an artificial intelligence (AI chatbot) designed to enhance digital cancer support for patients with cancer and their families through immediate, reliable, and personalized information.

This initiative is part of Kapa3’s strategic focus on leveraging innovative digital tools to improve access to information, strengthen guidance, and reduce the digital gap often faced by vulnerable groups in the healthcare sector.

The Health Navigator “Myrto” is not just an information tool, but a new form of social artificial intelligence in cancer care support in Greece. It is designed to transform digital information into a more human, accessible, and meaningful experience, allowing users to interact, receive guidance, and access support tailored to their needs.

Through its dual role as a “Patient Empowerment e-Navigator”, the system will function both as a Patient Advocate—providing guidance on patient rights, benefits, and access to healthcare and social services—and as a Health Navigator, offering reliable information to support better understanding and self-management of health-related issues.

At the same time, the Health Navigator “Myrto” aims to enhance health literacy, support the psychosocial dimension of the disease, and highlight available community resources, contributing to the reduction of inequalities in access to information.

Kapa3, with its long-standing experience in guiding and supporting cancer patients, continues to invest in initiatives that promote equal access to information and digital empowerment, utilizing technology with a strong social and human-centered approach.

The collaboration between Kapa3 and SimasiaAI leads to the development and integration of the Health Navigator “Myrto” into Kapa3’s platform, highlighting the importance of cooperation between social organizations and technology providers in creating innovative digital support tools for cancer patients. Through this initiative, the goal is to meaningfully empower patients, support healthcare professionals, and advance more human-centered digital services.

The development of the Health Navigator “Myrto” marks an important step toward a new model of digital care, where artificial intelligence complements human support, enhancing the quality of life of patients and their families.

The Founding Sponsor of the “Myrto”Health Navigator is the TIMA Foundation.

Our Press Release text here: PRESS RELEASE SIMASIA AI

Text: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

International Social Work Day: The Critical Role of Social Workers in Health and Society

International Social Work Day, observed annually on March 27, is an important occasion to highlight the multifaceted work of social workers and their contribution to promoting social justice, equality, and human dignity.

Social workers are on the front lines supporting vulnerable groups, playing a crucial role in areas such as healthcare, mental health, social welfare, and the care of individuals with chronic conditions, including cancer. In oncology in particular, their contribution is invaluable, as they provide practical, emotional, and social support to patients and their families, significantly improving their quality of life.

Global Context

Globally, the importance of social work is widely recognized, with social services forming a fundamental pillar of health and welfare systems. In the European Union, social service professionals exceed 10 million, representing about 5% of the total workforce, underlining the critical role of the sector in maintaining social cohesion.

In Northern and Western European countries, social workers are systematically integrated into multidisciplinary care teams and are an essential part of primary healthcare and social support services. International guidelines emphasize that adequate staffing of social services is a key requirement for the effective functioning of health systems and meaningful citizen support.

Despite these standards, gaps and inequalities persist:

There is a global need to increase social care personnel, especially in regions with high social needs.
Inequalities in access remain a challenge even in advanced countries, highlighting the importance of planning and coordination.

Social Services in Greece

Greece’s social care framework is based on the National Social Care System (Law 2646/1998). Services are structured across three levels:

Primary: Prevention, support, and local services, mainly provided by municipalities (Community Centers, social offices).
Secondary: Care and rehabilitation facilities for more complex needs.
Tertiary: Specialized services for severe or rare cases, typically in hospitals or research centers.

However, despite the legal framework, services in Greece are fragmented and understaffed:

Social workers number around 7,000, with fewer than half employed in public social services.
Many work on fixed-term contracts or subsidized programs, creating instability in service provision.
In local government, the ratio can reach one social worker per 40,000 citizens, highlighting severe understaffing.

As Evangeli Bista noted in a recent interview, 92 municipalities in Greece have no social work staff at all. Strengthening social services is therefore not only about meeting patient needs but also about empowering communities and fostering environments of solidarity and support.

At the same time, local initiatives demonstrate the potential for reinforcing social services. For example, Kapa3’s recent collaboration with the Municipality of Meteora to establish a Counseling Office for Cancer Patients and their Families represents a significant step toward strengthening social care locally.

Staffing the office with a social worker and a psychologist, along with providing free guidance, psychosocial support, and connection to other services, illustrates in practice the critical role social workers play in supporting patients and improving their quality of life.

On the occasion of International Social Work Day, it is important to recognize the invaluable work of social workers, address existing gaps, and showcase positive examples, such as the Municipality of Meteora, supporting the collective effort for a system that leaves no one behind.

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

Kapa3 in the First Half of March: Actions, Collaborations, and Updates for Oncology Patients

During the first half of March, Kapa3 continued to highlight important topics concerning the oncology patient support, rights, and daily lives through initiatives, collaborations, and informational activities.

Efforts focused both on strengthening access to information and services, and on promoting practical and digital tools that make patients’ daily lives easier.

In an environment where patients’ needs remain complex and constantly evolving, reliable information, enhanced collaboration among stakeholders, and the promotion of holistic care are especially important.

Below is a summary of the main developments from the month.

Collaborations

Key partnerships were strengthened with the Sarcoma Fighters Patients Association, the Hellenic Federation of Persons with Multiple Sclerosis (HFoPwMS), and Doctor Homie, aiming to enhance information, support, and quality care for patients.

Actions & Presentations

Kapa3 participated in the scientific meeting “Cancer in 2026: Challenges and Breakthroughs,” emphasizing the pivotal role of supportive care for oncology patients, while also presenting recent developments addressing their evolving needs. Kapa3 also attented the event “Facing the Challenge of Artificial Intelligence” as we remain focused on supporting dialogue around the opportunities and challenges of A.I.

Patient Rights

Supporting oncology patients remains a central goal of our initiatives. Focus was given to updates on the 2026 constant attendance allowance and improved digital access for patients to their test results.

Digital Health & Research

A new European Commission report highlights the critical role of digital health technologies in transforming healthcare systems, outlining both opportunities and challenges for the future of care.

Awareness

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, reminding everyone of the importance of prevention and early detection.

Oncology patient support remains our top priority, and we continue to monitor developments — more news will follow.

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.