Category: Patient Navigation

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.

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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.

Kapa3 Participation in the 3rd “Mapping the Unknown in Oncology” Conference

Kapa3 actively participated in the conference “Mapping the Unknown in Oncology – From Hospitals to Homes, mapping the future of oncology care”, organized for its third year by the Medical Society for Research and Education under the auspices of HeSMO (Hellenic Society of Medical Oncologists) and the Hellenic Cancer Society, held on February 27–28, 2026 at the Golden Age Hotel in Athens.

During the events on Saturday, February 28, Ms. Evangelí Bista, Head of Operations and Development at the Kapa3 Cancer Patient Guidance Center, took part in the panel titled “e-Health Tools and Educational Platforms: New Paths for Doctors and Patients.” The panel was moderated by Ms. Z. Saridaki and included panelists G. Koukourakis, S. Peroukidis, F. Tyligadas, and Ch. Christodoulou.

In her presentation, titled “Digital Patient Education: The Patient as an Active Partner,” Ms. Bista highlighted the importance of digital transformation in healthcare, which shifts care from episodic to continuous support, moving healthcare from hospitals into patients’ daily lives and empowering patients to become active participants in managing their health.

In this context, Kapa3 announced that for 2026 it will be the only civil society organization fully integrating AI, cybersecurity, and high-performance computing into its processes and services, implementing:

  • An AI-powered digital assistant (chatbot) for immediate patient guidance and support

  • A voice-command system for website accessibility and text-to-speech conversion

  • Service redesign, simplifying processes and reducing bureaucracy

  • An AI-based recommendation system with usage data analysis to personalize services

Special emphasis was placed on patient navigation, as oncology patients need guidance: where to go, what they are entitled to, when to be concerned, and when to wait. Kapa3 addresses this gap, providing not just information but meaningful, personalized guidance within the healthcare system.

The goal is not to add another service but to unite existing services. The next evolution of this model is Myrto, the digital assistant that serves as a reference point, translating knowledge into daily action.

Because the future of oncology is not only personalized treatment but also personalized understanding.

Kapa3’s participation underscores the organization’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and ethics, demonstrating how technology can significantly enhance the experience and care of oncology patients.

 

 

Kapa3 at Athens Digital Health Week 2026 – The Role of Patient Digital Navigators in Healthcare Digital Transformation

As part of Athens Digital Health Week 2026, Kapa3, as a new member of the Hellenic Digital Health Cluster (HDHC), participated in the closed members and partners meeting as well as the panel discussion titled “Synergies to Bridge the Needs of Healthcare Services in Digital Transformation,” presenting the role of patient digital navigators and exploring how digital technologies can strengthen a patient-centered healthcare system.

The discussion focused on a key question: how can available digital solutions effectively address the real needs of the healthcare and social care system?

Special emphasis was placed on the importance of interoperability, evidence-based decision-making, transparency, and comparability, as well as connecting research and governance, promoting equality, and considering the impact of artificial intelligence in the modern healthcare ecosystem.

Kapa3 was represented by Evangeli Bista, who highlighted the critical role of patient organizations in successfully integrating digital technologies into the care journey.

As she noted:

“Digital health is not only about developing technological solutions, but about their meaningful integration into the patient’s care journey. Civil society organizations (patients, caregivers, friends, professionals) can play a crucial role as adoption partners, contributing to design, implementation, and evaluation. Through collaboration within the Cluster, an ecosystem is strengthened where innovation translates into real accessibility and continuity of care with maximum social impact. For the Cancer Patients Guidance Center – Kapa3, developing its role as patient digital navigators can only happen through such synergies.”

The panel also included representatives from Affidea Greece, Gnomon Informatics SA, and REA Maternity & Gynecology Clinic, who contributed their expertise to a productive dialogue on aligning technology, clinical practice, and data governance.

During the closed meeting, the need to strengthen joint research initiatives, interoperability, and systematic collaboration among ecosystem members was emphasized, ensuring that innovation translates into measurable value for both patients and the healthcare system.

For Kapa3, developing its role in the digital health ecosystem as patient digital navigators is a strategic priority. Through such collaborations, patient organizations are empowered to actively contribute to a more transparent, equitable, and truly patient-centered healthcare system, where technology serves as a tool for empowerment rather than an end in itself.

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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

Webinar: “Cancer, Patient Navigation & Health Management: From Prevention to Coordinated Care” in collaboration with the Kapa3 Cancer Guidance Center

On the occasion of World Cancer Day, we invite you to join the webinar on cancer and patient navigation, organized in collaboration with René Descartes College and the Kapa3 Cancer Guidance Center. This webinar aims to open a meaningful dialogue around cancer, not only as a medical diagnosis but as a complex life journey.

Today, cancer requires holistic health management, proper guidance within the care system, coordination among professionals and services, and a patient-centered approach that considers the individual, their family, and social environment.

The webinar aims to highlight the importance of Patient Navigation and Health Management in cancer care, to illuminate the role of technology and innovation in oncology, and to raise awareness around prevention, quality of life, and continuous patient support.

Target Audience:

  • Patients and individuals at diagnosis, undergoing treatment, or in follow-up

  • Caregivers and family members

  • Health professionals, Health Management staff and students

  • Policy and quality of care professionals

  • Anyone interested in prevention, screening, organization of oncology services, and patient-centered healthcare approaches

Participants Will Gain:

  • Understanding of cancer as a holistic life issue

  • Knowledge of modern patient navigation and care coordination models

  • Insights into the role of technology in oncology

  • Practical information for better management within the healthcare system

  • Inspiration for more humane, coordinated, and high-quality care

Speakers:

  • Maria Gazouli, PhD – Professor of Biology-Genetics-Nanomedicine, Laboratory Geneticist

  • Dr. Christos A. Frantzidis – Assistant Professor, Computer Science / Machine Learning, School of Computer Science, University of Lincoln, UK

  • Dr. Maria Lavdaniti, MSc, PhD – Professor of Clinical Nursing, Director of the University Laboratory of Adult Cancer Patient Care, International Hellenic University (IHU)

  • Evangelia Mpista, PhD, MBA, MSc, BSc – Co-Founder, Kapa3

  • Dr. Vasiliki Kapaki – Postdoctoral Researcher in Health Economics, Professor of Health Economics, René Descartes College

Participation Details:

  • Duration: 2.5 hours (18:30 – 21:00)

  • Date: 06/02/2026

  • Attendance: Online

  • Participation is free

  • Certificate of attendance will be issued by René Descartes College and Kapa3

  • Registration form and participation declaration: Here

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3