Category: NGO Healthcare

Kapa3 in Brussels: Building European Partnerships for More Human-Centred Cancer Care

Participation in the Cluster 1 Health & Mission Cancer Brokerage Event highlighted the importance of digital innovation, meaningful patient engagement and cross-border collaboration in European health research.

28 September 2026 | Brussels, Belgium

Kapa3 – Cancer Guidance Centre participated in the European “Building Strong Networks in Cluster 1 Health & Mission Cancer” Brokerage Event, held in Brussels on 28 September 2026, focusing on the development of partnerships for the upcoming Horizon Europe 2027 calls, particularly Cluster 1 – Health and the EU Cancer Mission.

Kapa3 was represented by Aristea Archontidou, an associate of the organisation specialising in healthcare information technology, health policy and patient advocacy, as part of the participation of the Hellenic Digital Health Cluster (HDHC).

The event brought together researchers, universities, healthcare organisations, technology companies, innovation stakeholders, patient representatives and policymakers, providing opportunities to establish European research connections and explore future collaborations.

For Kapa3, participation reflects an ongoing commitment to connecting the real needs of people affected by cancer with European developments in research, digital health and more accessible models of care.

From European Research to Meaningful Partnerships

The event provided a valuable platform for exchanging knowledge, presenting research ideas and identifying potential partners for future European projects.

The programme included presentations on Horizon Europe 2027 priorities, thematic pitching sessions and targeted bilateral networking meetings.

Three main areas were addressed:

  • Healthcare Innovation: New approaches to research, prevention, diagnosis and healthcare delivery.
  • Clinical Trials: Research collaboration, clinical studies and the development of innovative therapeutic approaches.
  • Digital Health & Artificial Intelligence: Digital technologies, data-driven solutions and applications of AI in healthcare.

The discussions highlighted the increasing importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and the participation of organisations that understand patients’ needs in real-world settings.

Research, digital innovation and social innovation should not be treated as separate processes. Their impact depends on their ability to address unmet needs, operate effectively in real-life environments and demonstrate meaningful value.

Digital Health and AI: Technology Must Serve People

One of the most important observations emerging from the event was that digital health and Artificial Intelligence are no longer isolated technical topics.

They are increasingly integrated into multiple areas of healthcare research, from scientific data analysis and clinical research support to prevention, information access and the management of complex care needs.

However, technological progress does not automatically translate into social progress.

A digital solution cannot be considered truly successful if the people it is intended to serve cannot understand, trust or use it.

At Kapa3, addressing digital exclusion, strengthening health and digital literacy, improving accessibility and ensuring the responsible use of AI are fundamental priorities.

This approach is reflected in the development of MYRTO – Kapa3’s AI-Supported Digital Social Navigator, designed to facilitate access to evidence-informed, understandable information about social rights, benefits and available support services.

MYRTO is being developed in technological collaboration with SimasiaAI, with the valuable support of the TIMA Charitable Foundation.

The initiative demonstrates how technological innovation can be connected with social navigation and the practical needs of people living with cancer.

Meaningful Patient Engagement as a Foundation for Innovation

Another central message emerging from the discussions and networking activities was the growing importance of meaningful patient involvement in research and digital health development.

Patient organisations can contribute far more than final-stage evaluation or symbolic representation.

They can help identify unmet needs, co-develop research questions, improve the accessibility of digital tools and evaluate solutions in real-world settings.

Patient involvement in real-world pilots, co-creation processes and user-experience evaluation can contribute to more relevant, acceptable and sustainable healthcare innovations.

This approach is closely aligned with Kapa3’s mission.

Experience gained through everyday patient navigation, the identification of administrative and social barriers and the systematic documentation of support needs can provide valuable insights for the development and evaluation of new interventions.

European Networking and Opportunities for Collaboration

Kapa3’s participation in Brussels, through the Hellenic Digital Health Cluster ecosystem, provided opportunities to engage with professionals and organisations active in research, digital health and social innovation.

The event facilitated valuable exchanges with several stakeholders, including George Dimitriou, Cluster Manager of HDHC, alongside George Nikolaidis and Martha Zachariadou from Ergobyte Informatics S.A.

Additional discussions and connections involved Sotiria Tsalamani from KMOP – Social Action and Innovation Centre, Nikolaos Papadopoulos from heeelp!, Angie Fasoula from MIMA Technologies and Ilias Nikolinakos from ELPEN Pharmaceutical Co. Inc.

These initial contacts offer opportunities to explore shared interests and potential future collaborations in digital accessibility, human-centred technology, patient engagement and applied health research.

Special appreciation goes to the PRAXI Network for supporting Greek participation, as well as to the National Contact Points and co-organisers whose efforts created a valuable environment for European networking and collaboration.

Kapa3 as a Partner in Human-Centred Research and Innovation

Kapa3’s presence at this European event strengthens its strategic direction towards partnerships that combine scientific knowledge with lived experience and community-based insights.

Through social and patient navigation, cooperation with healthcare professionals, participation in European research projects and the development of digital tools, the organisation seeks to contribute to the design, implementation and evaluation of interventions that respond to the actual needs of patients and caregivers.

In future European collaborations, Kapa3 can bring expertise in patient and social navigation, patient engagement, health literacy, service co-creation and the evaluation of end-user experiences.

This approach contributes to the organisation’s broader ambition to develop an evidence-informed, human-centred and evaluable model of navigation in oncology care.

From European Connections to Meaningful Social Impact

The Brussels experience reinforced the importance of engaging early in European research networks and building partnerships that connect science, technology and people’s everyday realities.

As consortia and proposals begin to take shape for Horizon Europe 2027, the involvement of civil society organisations and patient representatives remains essential for more inclusive research and innovation.

For Kapa3, European collaboration creates value when it leads to better information, equitable access, stronger support systems and tangible improvements in the lives of people affected by cancer.

Because innovation in healthcare should not be measured solely by what technology can achieve, but also by how many people it can meaningfully include.

Care does not end with treatment. It embraces the whole of life.

Further Information

Cluster Health & Mission Cancer Brokerage Event
https://www.b2match.com/e/cluster-health-mission-cancer-brokerage

Hellenic Digital Health Cluster
https://hdhc.gr/

Kapa3 – Cancer Guidance Centre
https://www.kapa3.gr/

Explore MYRTO – Digital Social Navigator
https://kapa3-cag-rag-hybrid-deploy.onrender.com/

Kapa3 at the 13th Panhellenic Oncology Nursing Symposium: From Knowledge to Practice, with People at the Centre of Care

Three scientific contributions highlighting healthcare professionals’ educational needs, the financial burden of cancer, and the importance of patient navigation in comprehensive oncology care.

30 October – 1 November 2026 | Montana Hotel, Karpenisi, Greece

Kapa3 – Cancer Guidance Centre will participate in the 13th Panhellenic Oncology Nursing Symposium, organised by the Oncology Nursing Sector of the Hellenic Nurses Association (ESNE), taking place from 30 October to 1 November 2026 in Karpenisi, Greece.

Under the central theme “Driving Change, Creating Hope,” this year’s Symposium will provide an important opportunity for scientific exchange, interdisciplinary collaboration and discussion on the future of oncology nursing and comprehensive cancer care.

Kapa3’s participation will include three confirmed scientific contributions, bringing together healthcare professional education, the socioeconomic consequences of cancer and the role of structured patient navigation in improving access to care.

Although these topics address different dimensions of oncology, they share a common objective: to explore how scientific knowledge can be translated into meaningful, accessible and measurable improvements in the care provided to people affected by cancer.

1. Educational Needs of Healthcare Professionals: From Knowledge Acquisition to Meaningful Change

Saturday, 31 October 2026 | 17:30–19:00

Open Scientific Discussion

“Educational Needs of Healthcare Professionals: A Critical Issue for Contemporary Oncology Care”

Moderator: Evangeli Bista, PhD(c), MBA, MSc, BSc, Co-founder of Kapa3 – Cancer Guidance Centre.

Modern oncology care is evolving rapidly. New therapeutic approaches, personalised care, increasing psychosocial needs, digital transformation and the integration of Artificial Intelligence are fundamentally changing the knowledge and competencies required of healthcare professionals.

However, participation in educational activities does not automatically translate into improvements in professional practice.

This scientific discussion will address a central challenge in continuing professional education: how to move beyond the delivery of scientific information towards the effective assimilation, application and evaluation of knowledge.

The discussion will follow a structured pathway:

Identifying Needs → Education → Knowledge Acquisition → Assimilation → Application → Evaluation → Improved Care

Particular attention will be given to absorptive capacity, knowledge translation, organisational learning, interdisciplinary collaboration and the development of professional and digital competencies.

An important dimension of the discussion concerns the organisational environment in which healthcare professionals are expected to apply their knowledge.

Leadership, trust, organisational culture, staffing, mentoring, access to information and opportunities for continuous learning can either facilitate or hinder the translation of scientific knowledge into everyday clinical practice.

The discussion will bring together the following participants:

  • Ourania Govina
  • Theocharis Konstantinidis
  • Giorgos Kapetanakis
  • Theodora Kappou
  • Maria Lavdaniti
  • Aikaterini Manousou
  • Aikaterini Papadimitriou
  • Dimitrios Papageorgiou

Drawing on different academic, clinical, professional, managerial and patient-centred perspectives, the discussion aims to identify shared priorities for continuing education in contemporary oncology care.

The central question is:

How can we move from delivering knowledge to ensuring its meaningful assimilation and practical application, while developing healthcare professionals and organisations capable of continuous learning and measurable improvement?

2. Accessibility in Cancer Care: The Intersection of Health, Society and Economy

Scientific Roundtable

“Access to Healthcare Services for Patients with Malignant Neoplastic Disease: A Health–Society–Economy Perspective”

Session Chairs: Ioanna Tsatsou and Maria Lavdaniti.

As part of this roundtable, Evangeli Bista will deliver a presentation entitled:

“The Financial Burden of Cancer on Patients and Their Families”

A cancer diagnosis is not solely a medical event. It frequently brings substantial social and financial consequences that affect both patients and their families.

Loss or reduction of income, frequent travel for treatment, additional healthcare-related expenses, caregiving responsibilities and difficulties maintaining employment can significantly affect quality of life and access to appropriate care.

The concept of financial toxicity describes the economic hardship and distress associated with cancer and its treatment.

Financial toxicity may contribute to psychological distress, financial insecurity, reduced social participation and inequalities in access to healthcare and supportive resources.

Drawing on Kapa3’s experience in social guidance, patient navigation and support for people affected by cancer, the presentation will explore financial burden as an essential dimension of person-centred oncology care.

The roundtable will also include:

  • Georgios Manomenidis: “Social Determinants of Access to Oncology Care”
  • Maria Lavdaniti: “The Role of Nurses and the Interdisciplinary Team in Reducing Barriers to Access”

Together, these contributions will examine accessibility from complementary perspectives, highlighting the complex relationship between health services, socioeconomic conditions and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Equitable access to care depends not only on the availability of healthcare services, but also on people’s actual ability to access and use them.

3. The Role of Patient Navigation in Oncology Care: A Systematic Review

Oral Scientific Presentation

“The Role of Patient Navigation in Oncology Care: A Systematic Review”

Authors:

Maria-Garyfallia Barka
Psychology student, Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences; Volunteer, Kapa3 – Cancer Guidance Centre.

Evangeli Bista
Social Scientist, PhD(c), MBA, MSc, BSc; Co-founder, Kapa3 – Cancer Guidance Centre.

This scientific contribution falls within the field of psychosocial oncology care and examines the role of structured patient navigation in improving continuity, coordination and accessibility throughout the cancer journey.

Cancer diagnosis and treatment are associated with multiple needs extending beyond clinical management.

Patients and their families often require assistance in understanding medical and administrative information, navigating healthcare services, accessing social rights and benefits, managing practical difficulties and obtaining psychosocial support.

The systematic review examines international scientific literature published between 2015 and 2026, drawing on searches conducted in PubMed and Embase.

The review focuses on patient navigation, psychosocial support, counselling and care coordination, exploring their contribution to comprehensive oncology care.

In addition, practice-based data collected through Kapa3’s activities are considered in order to connect international evidence with the needs of patients and caregivers in the Greek healthcare and social support context.

The findings highlight the importance of organised, interdisciplinary navigation models involving healthcare professionals, social workers, psychologists and other relevant professionals.

Patient navigation is not simply the provision of information.

It is a structured process of identifying needs, supporting decision-making, facilitating access to appropriate services and helping patients navigate the multiple challenges arising throughout their cancer journey.

The presentation reinforces the importance of developing coordinated and person-centred support pathways that address medical, psychological, social and practical needs.

From Scientific Research to Kapa3’s Everyday Practice

Kapa3’s three scientific contributions reflect the organisation’s commitment to connecting research, professional education and social support with the lived experiences of people affected by cancer.

The education of healthcare professionals, the recognition of cancer-related financial hardship and the implementation of structured patient navigation are not isolated priorities.

They represent interconnected dimensions of a broader approach to oncology care.

Effective professional education can strengthen the ability to identify patient needs. Recognition of socioeconomic barriers can improve the relevance of supportive services. Structured navigation can help connect patients with appropriate professionals, resources and care pathways.

Together, these elements contribute to a model of healthcare that is more coordinated, equitable and responsive to people’s real needs.

This approach is also reflected in the development of MYRTO – Kapa3’s AI-Supported Digital Social Navigator, an innovative initiative designed to improve access to evidence-informed information about social rights, benefits, administrative procedures and available support services.

MYRTO is developed in collaboration with SimasiaAI, with the valuable support of the TIMA Charitable Foundation.

The initiative demonstrates Kapa3’s commitment to combining digital innovation with human-centred guidance, health literacy, social inclusion and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence.

Driving Change, Creating Hope

For Kapa3, participating in the 13th Panhellenic Oncology Nursing Symposium represents another opportunity to strengthen scientific dialogue, share knowledge and develop collaborations between healthcare professionals, academic institutions and civil society organisations.

Patients’ lived experiences provide valuable insights into the challenges that healthcare systems must address.

When these experiences are systematically documented, examined through scientific research and incorporated into professional education and service development, they can become a powerful source of meaningful change.

Scientific progress creates real value when it translates into better everyday experiences, fewer barriers and more effective support for people living with cancer.

At Kapa3, we remain committed to advancing a model of oncology care that recognises the full complexity of patients’ needs and supports people throughout every stage of their cancer journey.

Because care does not end with treatment. It embraces the whole of life.

Symposium Information

13th Panhellenic Oncology Nursing Symposium
“Driving Change, Creating Hope”

Dates: 30 October – 1 November 2026
Venue: Montana Hotel, Karpenisi, Greece

Organiser: Hellenic Nurses Association (ESNE) – Oncology Nursing Sector

Official event website:
https://oncologynursingcongress.esne.gr/

Kapa3 – Cancer Guidance Centre
https://www.kapa3.gr

Explore MYRTO – Digital Social Navigator
https://kapa3-cag-rag-hybrid-deploy.onrender.com/

Online Webinar Digital Transformation in the Public Sector and Civil Society.Convergence or divergence and proposals

Kapa3 – Cancer Guidance Centre, in collaboration with Collège René Descartes, invites you to an online webinar entitled:

“Digital Transformation in the Public Sector and Civil Society: Convergence or divergence and proposals”

📅 Date: Friday, 30 October 2026
🕡 Time: 18:30 – 20:30
💻 Attendance: Online
🎫 Participation: Free of charge

Digital transformation is now a key factor shaping how public organisations operate, how services are delivered to citizens, and how social support and participation initiatives are developed. Although important progress has been made, the transition to a more digital environment does not unfold in the same way across all organisations and social groups.

This webinar aims to open a meaningful dialogue between theory and practice, examining digital transformation from both the perspective of the Public Sector and that of Civil Society. Special emphasis will be placed on:

  • the changes brought by digitalisation in the way organisations function,
  • the relationship between the state, organisations and citizens,
  • the opportunities created by digital technologies,
  • the challenges arising from unequal access to and use of digital tools,
  • and the need to develop sustainable, human-centred and inclusive digital solutions.

Main question of the discussion

Does digital transformation lead to greater convergence between the state, organisations and citizens, or does it create new forms of divergence and inequality?

Who should attend

The webinar is addressed to:

  • public sector professionals and employees,
  • representatives of civil society organisations,
  • professionals involved in the design or implementation of digital services,
  • management and human resources professionals,
  • social and humanitarian service professionals,
  • educators, researchers, academics and students,
  • and, more broadly, anyone interested in the relationship between technology, public administration and society.

Main topics

The webinar programme includes themes related to:

  • digital transformation as organisational change,
  • innovation in public administration,
  • practical experiences and good practices from the public sector,
  • inclusion, accessibility and social needs,
  • the relationship between the public sector and civil society,
  • artificial intelligence, data and new opportunities,
  • and proposals for a meaningful, sustainable and human-centred digital transition.

Speakers

The webinar features:

  • Anastasia Tsartara, Head of Sector “Internal Affairs, Digital Governance, Justice and Institutions”, General Secretariat for Coordination of the Presidency of the Government
  • Dr Emmanuel Alexandrakis, Adjunct Professor – Strategic Development and Internationalisation Advisor, Athens University of Economics & Business
  • Evangeli Bista, Cofounder / Strategic Partnerships Lead, Kapa3 – Cancer Guidance Centre
  • Eirini Gkoni, Associate, GRNET S.A.
  • Dimitris Papadakis, Co-Founder & Head of Sales, SimasiaAI
  • Aristea Archontidou, MSc in Health Policy & Planning, Kapa3 Associate.

Certificate of attendance

All participants will receive a certificate of attendance issued by Collège René Descartes and Kapa3.

Registration

Participation is free. You may register through the official form:
🔗 https://cnam.gr/webinar_digital_transformation_public_management/

MYRTO evolves: from information to meaningful navigation

The new version of MYRTO, Kapa3’s digital assistant for people affected by cancer and their caregivers, is now live.

This update is more than a technical upgrade. It represents another step towards a different model of digital support: moving from simply providing information to supporting understanding, guidance and navigation.

For people facing cancer, the challenge is not always a lack of information. Very often, the real difficulty is understanding which information applies to them and what they need to do next.

From information to the next step

The cancer journey involves much more than diagnosis and treatment. Patients and families may also need to navigate social rights and benefits, disability assessment, transportation, employment issues, psychosocial support and communication with multiple health and public services.

Information may be available, but it is often fragmented, complex or difficult to turn into action.

This is where navigation becomes essential.

It means supporting people to access, understand, evaluate and use the information they need.

MYRTO was developed with this principle in mind: transforming complex and fragmented information into guidance that is easier to understand and act upon.

What is new in MYRTO

The renewed version offers a more direct and accessible user experience.

Users can interact by text or voice, listen to responses, choose between Greek and English, and adjust text size. Suggested topics also help people who may not know how to begin or how to formulate their question.

Particular attention is given to the sources behind the information. MYRTO follows a source-grounded and human-supervised AI approach: Artificial Intelligence supports the retrieval and organisation of information, while reliability, transparency and human oversight remain central to its design.

Technology does not replace people

MYRTO is not a doctor and does not provide personalised medical advice. It does not replace social workers, psychologists, nurses or other healthcare professionals.

Its role is to reduce complexity, support orientation and help people move closer to the appropriate information, service or human support.

The same approach applies to caregivers, who often become care coordinators, information managers and navigators of rights and services. MYRTO is also designed with their needs in mind, recognising caregivers as an essential part of the cancer journey.

Accessibility, trust and data protection

At Kapa3, we believe that digital innovation is meaningful only when it remains accessible and inclusive.

For this reason, the renewed MYRTO places emphasis on plain language, voice interaction and features that can support people with different levels of digital and health literacy.

Users are also informed about the processing of their data and the use of Artificial Intelligence, with separate consent choices and the possibility to request data deletion.

Trust in a digital health tool is not only about the answers it provides. It is also about how it works, which sources it relies on and how it respects the people who use it.

“What do I need to do next?”

Perhaps this single question best captures the philosophy behind MYRTO:

“What do I need to do next?”

A person facing cancer should not have to know in advance which organisation is responsible, where the right information is located or which administrative process needs to be followed.

They should be able to express their need and receive guidance that is reliable, understandable, accessible and human-supported.

This is the direction of the renewed MYRTO.

From information to understanding.
From understanding to navigation.
And from navigation to the next step.

Find more :

https://kapa3-cag-rag-hybrid-deploy.onrender.com

 

From access to continuity of care: when navigation becomes part of the solution

Why health systems need pathways, not just pilots

A test is not treatment. A referral does not necessarily mean that a person will reach the care they need. And a successful pilot does not, by itself, mean that a health system works for everyone.

This is the central message of a recent article by Gaurav Ghewade for the World Economic Forum, “Why healthcare systems need pathways, not just pilots.” The key question is no longer simply whether people can enter a health system, but whether the system can support them throughout the journey that follows.

In 2023, around 4.6 billion people worldwide were still not fully covered by essential health services. At the same time, chronic conditions, including cancer, require much more than a single intervention. They demand continuity, repeated contact with services, follow-up and coordinated support.

The critical question therefore becomes:

What happens after the first step?

Does a person know where to go next? Do they understand the procedures they need to follow? Are they aware of the rights and benefits available to them? Can they identify the appropriate services? Is there a clear pathway, or are they left to navigate a complex system on their own?

For people affected by cancer, the journey extends far beyond diagnosis and treatment. It can also involve administrative procedures, social and employment rights, financial and insurance benefits, access to social services, psychosocial support, caregiver needs and the return to everyday life.

This is why navigation is becoming an essential part of person-centred support.

From information to action: MYRTO

This is also the space in which MYRTO – Kapa3’s Digital Social Rights Navigator is being developed.

MYRTO does not replace doctors or healthcare professionals and does not provide treatment decisions. Its purpose is to help people affected by cancer and their caregivers access reliable and understandable information, better understand their social rights and available benefits, identify relevant services and move towards the next practical step in their journey. Kapa3 has positioned MYRTO within a broader approach to digital navigation, social accessibility and patient empowerment.

Because access is only the beginning.

What truly matters is ensuring that no one gets lost between the steps of their journey.

The development of MYRTO is supported by the TIMA Charitable Foundation, Founding Sponsor of MYRTO.

Source

Gaurav Ghewade, Why healthcare systems need pathways, not just pilots, World Economic Forum, 21 August 2026.

Co-creation in health research: from participation to meaningful influence

Co-creation in health research: from participation to meaningful influence

A new scientific study proposes a framework for understanding who participates in research, when they participate, how they contribute — and how much influence they actually have

Co-creation is becoming increasingly important across public health, research, social innovation and the design of healthcare services. Patients, caregivers, citizens, healthcare professionals, researchers and communities are more frequently being invited to contribute to the development of interventions, services and solutions.

Yet an important question remains:

What does “participation” actually mean?

The presence of a patient or community representative in a meeting does not necessarily mean that they can influence the design, decisions or outcomes of a research project. Similarly, being asked to complete a survey is fundamentally different from helping to design an intervention, interpret findings or determine how results are shared.

A new open-access study, published on 19 August 2026 in the Journal of Public Health, addresses this challenge. Katrina Messiha, Mai J. M. Chinapaw, Johannes C. F. Ket, Renée I. Wink and Teatske M. Altenburg developed the Co-creation Roles Framework, an operational framework designed to systematically describe and classify the roles of different stakeholders in co-creation research.

Moving beyond “who was involved?”

One of the study’s most valuable contributions is its shift away from simply recording whether stakeholders participated towards examining the nature, depth and quality of that participation.

The framework captures eight key dimensions:

  • the research stage at which participation occurs,
  • the target group or stakeholder involved,
  • the aim of involvement,
  • how stakeholder knowledge is used,
  • the level of engagement and influence,
  • the form of co-creation,
  • the platform through which engagement takes place,
  • and the duration of engagement.

The relevant question therefore becomes much more precise than “Were patients or citizens involved?”

Instead, researchers can ask:

When were they involved? What were they asked to contribute? How was their knowledge used? And how much influence did they actually have over decisions?

What did the study find?

To demonstrate the practical application of the framework, the researchers conducted a systematic review following PRISMA guidance.

They analysed 39 scientific articles representing 19 youth-focused public health projects based on co-creation, Youth Participatory Action Research or Community-Based Participatory Research approaches.

The analysis revealed substantial variation in the ways stakeholders were engaged.

One particularly striking finding was that, under the strict definition used in the framework, none of the 19 projects reached the highest level of engagement — “empowerment”, where stakeholders hold genuine decision-making authority.

During the implementation stage, consultation and involvement were the most frequent levels of engagement, while consultation was also the most common approach during evaluation.

This finding matters.

It demonstrates that describing a project as “co-created” does not automatically mean that the people for whom an intervention is being developed have meaningful power to shape it.

Participation should not end when the research ends

Another important finding concerned dissemination and reporting.

Only 4 of the 19 projects included a reporting stage extending beyond conventional academic publication.

In some cases, young stakeholders were involved in presenting findings, communicating results within their communities, or developing dissemination materials and practical tools. Overall, however, stakeholder involvement in the final stages of the research process remained limited.

This is highly relevant to health research.

People who contribute their lived experience, time and knowledge to a study should not be considered merely a source of data. They can also play an important role in interpreting findings, shaping key messages and helping return knowledge to the communities from which it originated.

From patient participant to patient co-creator

This discussion has particular relevance for cancer research and cancer care.

Patients and caregivers hold a form of knowledge that clinical evidence alone cannot provide: the lived experience of illness and care.

They understand what treatment means in everyday life; where administrative, social or practical barriers interfere with care; whether a digital health service is genuinely understandable and accessible; which questions remain unanswered; and which outcomes actually matter to the people living with cancer.

Using this knowledge is not simply a matter of representation.

It is a matter of research quality.

For a patient-support organisation such as Kapa3, co-creation therefore means more than inviting patients into an existing process. It requires creating the conditions in which lived experience can become knowledge, knowledge can shape design, and design can ultimately lead to more relevant, accessible and person-centred services.

A framework for planning future research

The authors emphasise that the Co-creation Roles Framework may be valuable not only for describing completed research, but also for planning and evaluating future projects.

Research teams may use it prospectively to clarify stakeholder roles from the beginning, while funders, ethics committees and scientific journals could potentially use such structured approaches to assess how clearly and meaningfully stakeholder participation has been planned and reported.

At the same time, the framework should not yet be regarded as a definitive standard.

The authors explicitly call for external validation across diverse co-creation settings. They also recognise an important limitation: non-academic stakeholders were not directly involved in developing the framework itself, which may limit its sensitivity to some experiential and contextual understandings of stakeholder roles.

Recognising these limitations is itself an important part of advancing more rigorous participatory research.

The next challenge: not simply more participation, but more meaningful participation

Co-creation should not become another box to tick in a research proposal.

The more important challenge is to be able to demonstrate:

who had a voice, when that voice was heard, how it influenced decisions and what ultimately changed because of that contribution.

As healthcare moves towards more participatory, person-centred and digitally supported models of care, the shift from research about patients to research with patients, and ultimately towards research shaped together with patients, may become one of the defining requirements for research that is both scientifically robust and genuinely relevant to people’s lives.

Scientific source

Messiha K, Chinapaw MJM, Ket JCF, Wink RI, Altenburg TM. Development and application of a framework for classifying stakeholder roles in co-creation research: a Health CASCADE study. Journal of Public Health. Published 19 August 2026. DOI: 10.1007/s10389-026-02881-2.

Messiha_et_al-2026-Journal_of_Public_Health

Evangeli Bista Joins the PATH Expert Group as an Independent Expert: Bringing the Patient Perspective into the New Era of AI in Cancer Care

A new contribution to the European dialogue on safe, responsible and human-centred Artificial Intelligence in healthcare

Evangeli Bista, Co-founder and Head of Operations and Development of Kapa3 – Cancer Guidance Centre, has been invited to join the Expert Group of the European research and innovation project PATH – Patient AI Treatment Hub as an independent expert.

Her participation is undertaken in a personal and independent capacity, with her professional affiliation to Kapa3 – Cancer Guidance Centre, creating an opportunity to bring into the European dialogue experience gained through direct engagement with people affected by cancer, survivors, caregivers and healthcare professionals. The PATH Terms explicitly define Expert Group members as acting independently rather than as partners, employees, agents or subcontractors of the Consortium.

What is PATH – Patient AI Treatment Hub?

PATH – Patient AI Treatment Hub is a European research and innovation project focused on supporting the safe and effective integration of Artificial Intelligence into cancer care through the development of a secure, interoperable and privacy-preserving digital platform.

The project aims to explore how Artificial Intelligence tools can be safely integrated into cancer-care pathways, supporting healthcare professionals and contributing to more personalised approaches while safeguarding privacy and health data.

At the heart of this effort lies a critical question:

How can technological innovation create meaningful value for patients while preserving trust, human oversight, safety and equity?

Participation in the PATH Expert Group

As a member of the PATH Expert Group, Evangeli Bista will contribute independent expertise, opinions, input, comments and feedback in relation to selected project use cases and activities.

The experience developed through Kapa3’s work can contribute to discussions around issues such as:

  • patient-centred cancer care,
  • patient navigation across health and social-care systems,
  • equitable access to information and services,
  • health and digital literacy,
  • health and social rights,
  • responsible use and protection of health data,
  • transparency and human oversight in Artificial Intelligence systems,
  • meaningful involvement of patients and civil society in technology design,
  • and translating technological innovation into real value for people.

Why the Patient Voice Must Be Part of Innovation

Artificial Intelligence is creating new possibilities for healthcare and cancer care. At the same time, its growing use raises important questions concerning trust, transparency, safety, equitable access and human oversight.

For Kapa3, the development of a digital solution cannot begin solely with the question of what is technologically possible.

It must also ask:

What does the patient actually need?

Can people understand the information they receive?

Do they know where that information comes from?

Can they trust the system?

Is it clear when Artificial Intelligence is being used and when human professional judgement is required?

Could digital inequalities lead to new inequalities in healthcare?

And ultimately, does innovation genuinely improve the experience and pathway of a person facing cancer?

These are questions that we believe should remain at the centre of the European discussion on Artificial Intelligence in healthcare.

Kapa3’s experience in digital health

Evangeli Bista’s participation in the PATH Expert Group comes at a time when Kapa3 is systematically expanding its work in digital health, patient navigation and the responsible use of emerging technologies to support people affected by cancer.

This broader work also includes MYRTO – Digital Navigator for Health and Social Rights, an independent Kapa3 initiative developed to help transform complex and often fragmented information on rights, benefits and administrative procedures into more accessible, structured and evidence-based guidance for patients and caregivers.

MYRTO is not part of PATH, and the two initiatives are independent from one another.

However, the experience of developing patient-facing digital services has reinforced several principles that Kapa3 considers essential:

reliable information, transparent sources, understandable communication, data protection, human oversight and a clear pathway to professional support when technology alone is not enough.

This distinction is also important from an intellectual-property perspective, since the PATH Terms preserve intellectual property that exists independently of the Expert’s Services and is not incorporated into PATH Contributions.

From information to trust

Digital transformation in healthcare is not simply about more data, more algorithms or more applications.

It is about creating greater understanding, better access and stronger trust.

For a person facing cancer, information has value when it can be translated into a meaningful next step.

Technology has value when it reduces — rather than increases — complexity.

And Artificial Intelligence has value when it strengthens, rather than replaces, human care, professional judgement and the patient’s ability to participate meaningfully in decisions affecting their life and health.

A new opportunity to contribute to the European dialogue

For Kapa3, the invitation to Evangeli Bista to participate as an independent expert in the PATH Expert Group represents an important opportunity to bring into the European dialogue experience, needs and concerns emerging from the real-world context of cancer care and patient support.

The objective remains clear:

Artificial Intelligence in healthcare should advance with safety, transparency, responsibility, equitable access and meaningful involvement of the people it is designed to serve.

Because innovation creates real value when it is designed with people and for people.

PATH – Patient AI Treatment Hub | At a glance

Field: Artificial Intelligence and data in cancer care
Project: PATH – Patient AI Treatment Hub
Focus: Safe and effective integration of AI into cancer care through secure, interoperable and privacy-preserving approaches.
Expert Group: Independent external experts providing expertise, opinions, input, comments and feedback to the Project.
Independent Expert: Evangeli Bista
Professional role: Co-founder & Head of Operations and Development
Affiliation: Kapa3 – Cancer Guidance Centre

 

New Scientific Publication with the Participation of Kapa3: Cancer Survivorship in the Post-COVID-19 Era

New scientific publication involving the Cancer Patient Guidance Center – Kapa3 highlights the significant psychological, social, and functional challenges that people living with and beyond cancer continue to face following the COVID-19 pandemic.

The article, entitled “Cancer Survivorship After COVID-19: Psychological Burden, Symptom Experience, and Social Support,” was published in the international peer-reviewed journal Medicina. It examines psychological distress, symptom experience, quality of life, and the protective role of social support among people affected by cancer.

What Did the Study Examine?

The research involved 162 adults diagnosed with cancer in Greece during the post-COVID-19 period. Participants completed validated questionnaires assessing depression, anxiety, stress, health-related quality of life, and perceived social support.

The results revealed a substantial and persistent psychological burden:

  • 32.1% of participants reported severe or extremely severe depression.
  • 40.1% reported severe or extremely severe anxiety.
  • 29% reported severe or extremely severe stress.

The overall quality of life of participants was found to be moderate. Emotional and social functioning were among the most affected areas, while fatigue, insomnia, breathlessness, and financial difficulties emerged as some of the most significant challenges in everyday life.

The Close Relationship Between Mental Health and Quality of Life

One of the study’s key findings was the strong relationship between psychological distress and poorer quality of life.

Higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress were associated with:

  • poorer daily and functional performance;
  • lower perceived overall health;
  • greater symptom severity;
  • increased difficulty in emotional and social functioning.

The results demonstrate that psychological well-being cannot be separated from the physical, social, and practical experience of cancer.

Social Support as a Protective Factor

At the same time, the study underlines the important protective role of social support.

Support from family members, friends, and other significant people was associated with better overall health and functioning, lower levels of depression, anxiety, and stress, and reduced symptom burden.

The findings show that social connection is not simply an additional element of care. It is a meaningful component of recovery, adaptation, and quality of life throughout the cancer journey.

Cancer Survivorship Does Not End When Treatment Is Completed

The findings reinforce the need to move beyond a model of oncology care focused exclusively on treating the disease.

Cancer survivorship requires a comprehensive, person-centred approach that addresses the physical, psychological, social, functional, and financial dimensions of life with and after cancer.

Routine psychological assessment, early identification of emotional distress, timely referral to psycho-oncology services, rehabilitation, social support, and the meaningful involvement of families and caregivers should become integral parts of standard oncology care.

The study also points to the potential value of telehealth and digital support services in improving access to supportive care. At the same time, it highlights inequalities related to digital literacy, healthcare accessibility, and the ability of all patients to benefit equally from digital services.

The experience of the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated that effective cancer care must be resilient, accessible, multidisciplinary, and capable of maintaining continuity even during periods of crisis.

Read more medicina-4429149

A Calm Summer Begins with Proper Preparation Proactive Care Planning, Mental Decompression and Digital Support

Proactive Care Planning, Mental Decompression and Digital Support

Summer is a valuable opportunity for rest, renewal and quality time with the people we love. For people living with or after a cancer diagnosis, as well as for their caregivers, the possibility of enjoying a few days away from everyday life can contribute meaningfully to physical and mental well-being.

When a person’s health condition allows it, and with the agreement of the treating physician, even a short break can have a beneficial effect, enhancing quality of life and supporting the sense of returning to everyday life (Lim et al., 2022).

The quality of life of people living with or after a cancer diagnosis does not depend solely on medical treatment. Mental well-being, social support, optimism and resilience are equally important factors that facilitate adaptation to the disease and contribute to patients’ overall well-being (Ruiz-Rodríguez et al., 2022). At the same time, current guidelines underline the importance of integrated and personalised care, as well as continuous support for people living with or after cancer at every stage of their journey (Hart et al., 2024).

However, the peace of mind associated with holidays does not begin on the day of departure. It begins much earlier, through proper preparation. Practical pending issues, administrative procedures or concerns about unexpected events during the holidays can increase stress and reduce the feeling of safety. By contrast, proactive care planning allows patients to organise what is needed in advance, so that they can devote their time to rest rather than obligations.

Timely renewal of medical certificates, ensuring an adequate supply of medication for the entire period of absence, communicating with the treating physician when necessary, and keeping essential medical documents in an easily accessible format are simple but important steps of preparation. In this way, continuity of care is safeguarded, while the uncertainty that often accompanies travel is reduced.

Reliable information and timely support are key pillars of modern oncology care. When people know where they can turn and have easy access to trustworthy information, they feel safer, their autonomy is strengthened and the management of daily life becomes easier (Ruiz-Rodríguez et al., 2022; Hart et al., 2024).

In today’s world, digital tools can complement support services by facilitating access to reliable information wherever the patient may be. In this direction, Kapa3 is moving forward with the development of Myrto, the digital social navigator, designed to provide direct access to information on social rights, available services and useful guidance. In this way, it facilitates access to the organisation’s services and reliable information, contributing to better preparation before and during holidays.

For all of us at Kapa3, technology does not replace human care; it complements it. It is another means of facilitating access to trustworthy information and available services, while the Social Service and Psychological Support Service of Kapa3 remain the core pillar of holistic support for people living with cancer and their families.

Let us remember that care does not stop when holidays begin. It continues through small but meaningful acts of preparation, proper information and timely planning. Because, many times, the greatest luxury of a holiday is not the destination itself, but the feeling that we can enjoy our moments with calmness, safety and trust.

The Social Service and Psychological Support Service of Kapa3 wish everyone a safe, peaceful and refreshing summer, with health, strength and beautiful moments.

Before Leaving for Your Holidays…

✔️ Make sure you have an adequate supply of your medication for the entire period of your absence.

✔️ Check whether there are any medical certificates, prescriptions or other administrative pending issues that need to be settled in time.

✔️ Discuss with your treating physician any special instructions related to travel or movement.

✔️ Keep with you the necessary medical documents and important contact details.

✔️ Find out about available support services and make use of the Kapa3 App, so that you have easy access to useful information wherever you are.

References

Hart, N. H., Nekhlyudov, L., Smith, T. J., Yee, J., Fitch, M. I., Crawford, G. B., et al. (2024). Survivorship Care for People Affected by Advanced or Metastatic Cancer: MASCC-ASCO Standards and Practice Recommendations. JCO Oncology Practice, 20(9), 1160–1172. https://doi.org/10.1200/OP.23.00716

Lim, J. H. C., Keenan, C., & Flaherty, G. T. (2022). All My Life to Live: Travel Health Benefits and Risks for Cancer Survivors. Journal of Travel Medicine, 29(5), taac069. https://doi.org/10.1093/jtm/taac069

National Comprehensive Cancer Network. (2024). NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®): Survivorship. Version 2.2024. Plymouth Meeting, PA: National Comprehensive Cancer Network.

Ruiz-Rodríguez, I., Hombrados-Mendieta, I., Melguizo-Garín, A., & Martos-Méndez, M. J. (2022). The Importance of Social Support, Optimism and Resilience on the Quality of Life of Cancer Patients. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 833176. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.833176

World Health Organization. (2022). World Mental Health Report: Transforming Mental Health for All. Geneva: World Health Organization.

Official Access Links

Hart et al., 2024 — MASCC-ASCO Standards:
https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/OP.23.00716

Lim et al., 2022:
https://doi.org/10.1093/jtm/taac069

NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology: Survivorship:
https://www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/pdf/survivorship.pdf

Ruiz-Rodríguez et al., 2022:
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.833176

WHO World Mental Health Report:
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240049338

Marilia Barka
Psychology Student
Kapa3 Volunteer

www.linkedin.com/in/maria-garyfalia-marilia-barka-03825a409

DISABILITY CARD OR TRANSPORTATION PASS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES 2026. WHAT BENEFICIARIES NEED TO KNOW.

The new explanatory circular regarding transportation for people with disabilities (PWDs) for 2026 has raised several questions among beneficiaries and their families who are trying to understand what the current rules are. The most common question is: “I have the plastic Disability Card. Do I also need to get a PWD Transportation Pass?”

The answer is that the Disability Card has not completely replaced the Transportation Pass. Both of these documents remain valid simultaneously, and the need for one or the
other depends on the mode of transportation used by each eligible person. To make this clearer, here’s what applies in each case.

Athens and Thessaloniki: The Disability Card can be used for urban travel

For travel on OASA transit in Athens and OSETH transit in Thessaloniki, the plastic Disability Card can be used by eligible beneficiaries.

Cardholders can travel by validating their card at the designated machines, without needing to obtain a
separate Travel Pass specifically for these transit services.

The following are required:

  • the Disability Card must be valid,
  • must bear the designated disability level II or III designation,
  • or the beneficiary must receive disability financial assistance from OPEKA,
  • and income criteria must be met where required.

URBAN KTEL BUSES IN THE PROVINCE: THE TRAVEL PASS REMAINS NECESSARY

This is the point that has caused the most confusion. Possession of a Disability Card does not mean that
the Travel Pass is no longer required for all trips.

For urban KTEL buses operated by the Regional Units, as well as by the municipalities of Kos and
Rhodes, a Mobility Card for People with Disabilities is required, even if the beneficiary holds a Disability Card.

Therefore, those who use urban KTEL buses in their area should apply:
– at the Citizen Service Centers (KEP),
– or at the relevant offices of the Regional Unit.

FOR 2026, THE PROCESS BEGINS ON JULY 1, 2026, AND ENDS ON NOVEMBER 30, 2026.
Intercity Buses (KTEL): 50% Discount on Fares

For travel on intercity buses (KTEL)—that is, for trips from one city to another—a 50% discount is available.
The discount can be obtained with:
– A valid Disability Card,
– or a Transportation Pass for People with Disabilities.

Thus, for intercity routes, the beneficiary has more options.

Are there income criteria for free transportation?

One point that often causes confusion concerns income. There are no income criteria for issuing the Disability Card.

The income limits apply to eligibility for free transportation.

For 2026, the limits are as follows:
– individual taxable income up to 23,000 euros,
– declared family income up to 29,000 euros.

The family income limit increases by 5,600 euros for each additional person with a disability of 67% or higher who lives with and is financially dependent on the taxpayer.

It is important to note that: OPEKA disability benefits are not included in the above income limits. A relevant certificate from OPEKA may be required to exclude them.

Who is exempt from the income criteria?

People who are totally blind are exempt from the income criteria.

What applies to the companion?

In many cases, a companion is also entitled to travel.
If the Disability Card is marked with an “S” (Companion):

in Athens and Thessaloniki, the companion travels with the cardholder upon a single validation of the card. For KTEL buses, however, the prescribed procedure and the corresponding Companion Travel Pass are required where necessary.

So, what do beneficiaries need to keep?

The Disability Card is a significant benefit, but it does not mean that the Travel Pass is being
eliminated.
In simple terms:
Disability Card:
✔ Athens and Thessaloniki
✔ Intercity KTEL buses for a 50% discount
Travel Pass:
✔ Provincial KTEL buses
✔ Situations where a companion’s entitlement is required
✔ Those who do not have a Disability Card

At Kapa3, we believe that accurate information can save time, trips, and unnecessary hassle,
especially for people who already face increased challenges due to a disability or a serious illness.

View the circular here: TRANSPORTATION 2026
DISABILITY CIRCULAR

For more information, please don’t hesitate to contact the Kapa3 team:

📍Athens: 13 Kosti Palama, 3rd floor, (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
📍13 Kosti Palama, 11141 Athens
☎️210 5221424
📱6906265170
www.kapa3.gr, info@kapa3.gr