Κapa3 at IEEE CBMS 2026 | AI for Equitable Oncology Information

Kapa3 at IEEE CBMS 2026: Artificial Intelligence in Support of Equitable Patient Information in Oncology Care

New scientific publication in the Proceedings of the 39th IEEE International Symposium on Computer-Based Medical Systems

The voice and lived experience of patients must remain at the centre of the emerging era of Artificial Intelligence in healthcare.

Kapa3 – Cancer Guidance Centre contributes to a new scientific publication presented in the Proceedings of the 2026 IEEE 39th International Symposium on Computer-Based Medical Systems (CBMS), focusing on how Artificial Intelligence and Retrieval-Augmented Generation can support more equitable, reliable and patient-centred access to information in oncology.

The paper, entitled:

“Informed, Empowered, and Heard: AI and Retrieval-Augmented Generation as Tools for Equitable Patient Information in Oncology”

is authored by Lars Münter, Evangeli Bista, Maria Lavdaniti and Christos Frantzidis, with Evangeli Bista representing Kapa3 as Co-founder.

From access to information to meaningful patient empowerment

A cancer diagnosis creates an immediate need for information that is reliable, understandable and relevant to the individual patient.

At the same time, patients and their families are often expected to understand complex medical terminology, treatment options, prognosis discussions and administrative procedures at a moment of intense psychological and emotional pressure.

The paper highlights that acute stress associated with a serious diagnosis can affect working memory, attention and the ability to process new information. This means that patient information cannot be designed for an ideal, fully attentive reader; it must respond to the real cognitive and emotional conditions experienced by people facing cancer.

The key question is therefore not simply:

“How much information do we provide?”

but rather:

“Are we providing the right information, at the right time, in a form that people can understand and act upon?”

AI and Retrieval-Augmented Generation: towards trustworthy and evidence-grounded information

The publication places particular emphasis on Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG).

RAG architectures combine the generative capabilities of large language models with the retrieval of information from curated and verified knowledge sources. In a healthcare setting, this can include clinical guidelines, validated patient information resources, regulatory documents and peer-reviewed literature.

This approach offers an important advantage over purely generative AI systems: responses can be grounded in identifiable sources, supporting greater transparency and enabling patients and healthcare professionals to verify where information comes from.

In oncology, this is especially important.

A patient does not simply need a quick answer. They need information that is:

accurate, current, understandable, accessible and appropriate to their individual situation.

Artificial Intelligence as a tool for equity

One of the central themes of the paper is inequality in access to high-quality oncology information.

Geography, language, socioeconomic circumstances, health literacy, digital literacy and access to specialised healthcare services can significantly influence a person’s ability to understand their diagnosis, treatment options and rights.

The publication pays particular attention to the Greek context, where patients living in large urban centres may experience a very different information environment from those living in rural, remote or island communities.

When equity is treated as a core design principle, AI-RAG systems can potentially support:

multilingual access to health information,
different levels of language and information complexity,
voice-based interfaces,
shorter and more manageable units of information,
low-bandwidth or offline-capable solutions,
and opportunities for patients to return to information when they are ready to process it.

Technology alone, however, does not create equity.

The way technology is designed determines whether it reduces existing inequalities or reproduces them.

Designed with patients, for patient needs

The paper calls for an important shift in the way digital health systems are developed.

Many traditional health information systems are designed primarily around institutional or clinical workflows, with patient-facing communication added later.

For patient-centred AI, this logic must be reversed.

Systems should be designed with patients and around patient needs, with patients and informal carers actively involved in shaping the knowledge base, the questions the system is expected to answer and the ways information is presented.

This also means moving beyond systems that simply respond to individual questions.

A meaningful AI-supported information environment could help patients prepare for clinical consultations, organise their questions, understand the next steps in their care and become more aware of their rights.

The paper highlights applications such as consultation preparation guides, question prompts before appointments and post-consultation summaries as examples of how technology can support patients before, during and after important healthcare interactions.

AI should strengthen, not replace, human relationships

Perhaps the most important message of the publication is that the transformative potential of AI in oncology is not primarily technical. It is relational.

Artificial Intelligence should not create distance between patients and healthcare professionals.

It should help strengthen their communication.

A better-informed patient can arrive at a clinical consultation more prepared, identify questions and concerns more clearly, participate more actively in shared decision-making and communicate more effectively with the healthcare team.

The same applies to informal carers, who often carry a significant part of the informational and emotional burden of cancer care.

For this reason, the paper argues that AI-RAG systems should be designed to strengthen the relationship between patients, carers and healthcare professionals, rather than to replace any part of this human network of care.

For healthcare professionals, trustworthy information systems may also reduce the time required for basic information provision, allowing more of the clinical encounter to focus on nuanced discussions, decision-making and the human aspects of care that technology cannot replicate.

From information to trust

This scientific contribution adds to an increasingly important discussion about the future of healthcare:

How can Artificial Intelligence be developed and used in ways that genuinely respond to human needs?

The answer does not lie only in more powerful AI models or larger volumes of data.

It also lies in evidence, transparency, accessibility, co-design, equity and respect for patient rights.

As the paper concludes, people affected by cancer in Greece and across Europe deserve access to information that is accurate, personalised, accessible and respectful of their rights, regardless of where they live, the language they speak or the socioeconomic resources available to them.

For Kapa3, participating in this scientific discussion also reflects a broader commitment: ensuring that real patient needs, lived experience and equitable access are represented in the design and evaluation of the next generation of digital health and AI-supported tools.

Publication details

Title: Informed, Empowered, and Heard: AI and Retrieval-Augmented Generation as Tools for Equitable Patient Information in Oncology

Authors: Lars Münter, Evangeli Bista, Maria Lavdaniti, Christos Frantzidis

Published in: 2026 IEEE 39th International Symposium on Computer-Based Medical Systems (CBMS)

DOI: 10.1109/CBMS69103.2026.00302

find more 499901b523

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

New Joint Ministerial Decision on the 2026 Aerotherapy Allowance: A Detailed Guide for KAPA3 Beneficiaries

At the Cancer Patient Guidance Center—KAPA3, we remain committed to providing accurate and timely information to cancer patients and their families regarding the rights and social benefits to which they are entitled. With the aim of making your daily life easier and ensuring you have full access to beneficial legislative provisions, we present a comprehensive guide to the granting of the air therapy allowance, in accordance with the recent Joint Ministerial Decision (No. 89399 EX 2026) published in the Government Gazette, Issue B, No. 3295, dated June 11, 2026.

The air therapy allowance applies to the summer season of 2026.

The amount is set at 250.00 euros and will be paid as a lump sum to the beneficiaries’ bank accounts on July 10, 2026.

The amount is unseizable and fully exempt from any tax or withholding.

Who Are the Beneficiaries

The benefit is granted to disabled retirees of the State and the e-EFKA. Specifically, beneficiaries are those who fall into the following categories:

a) Pensioners referred to in subparagraphs (a) and (b) of paragraph 1 of Article 6 of Legislative Decree 4605/1966.

b) Pensioners under subparagraph (c) of the aforementioned paragraph 1 of Article 6 of Legislative Decree 4605/1966, who, according to

the opinion of the competent Health Committee for the years 2020 through 2026, have been deemed to be in need of this allowance and belong to the following categories of retirees:

Disabled officers under Law No. 2588/1921 and Law No. 875/1979 on military retirement.
Disabled officers under Law No. 362/1943.

iii. Disabled enlisted personnel under Article 1 of Legislative Decree 1044/1971, as amended by Article 1 of

Law 1043/1980.

Disabled members of the former Municipal Police who were subject to Legislative Decree 330/1947.

Disabled members of the Security Forces under Law 1579/1950 and those disabled members of the Coast Guard,

the Fire Department, and the Agricultural Police who are treated as equivalent to them.

Disabled members of the National Resistance under Provisional Act 1855/1951, Legislative Decree 412/1970, and Law 1543/1985.

vii. Persons with disabilities under Law 1370/1944 (who sustained their disabilities during peacetime while in service and as a result thereof, and

receive a disability pension).

viii. Persons with disabilities from the anti-dictatorship struggle under Law 1543/1985.

Disabled civilians under Law 812/1943.

Disabled civilians under Law 1863/1989.

c) Civilian retirees who sustained disabilities as a result of their service (Decision of the Ministry of Labor and Social Security No.

754.6/117/3912/March 24, 1969) and

d) OSE retirees who left the service and are receiving a pension due to tuberculosis.

3. Who Is Exempt from Payment

According to the Government Gazette, the following categories are not eligible for the air therapy allowance:

Recipients of other benefits: Those who have received or are set to receive a corresponding air therapy allowance from any other source (such as public entities, private entities, public benefit organizations, etc.).

Spa Therapy Beneficiaries: Those who have been deemed eligible for spa therapy for the year 2026 by the Directorate for Reserve Combatants, Veterans, War Victims, and War Disabled (DEPATHA).

New Pensioners: Citizens whose pension is payable after September 30, 2026, or whose order for registration in the Pensioner Registers is issued after October 31, 2026.

What to Do in Case of Non-Payment

If you are eligible but the benefit does not appear in your account by the scheduled date of July 10, 2026, the law entitles you to file a retroactive claim.

You may submit a request by December 31, 2026, at the latest, to the following agencies (depending on your category):

To Section E of the Income Policy Directorate of the General Accounting Office (p. 2) .

To the General Directorate of Public Sector Pensions of e-EFKA (p. 2).

You can contact the Kapa3 team

13 Kostis Palamas Street, 3rd floor (Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.).

Contact Numbers: 210 5221424 & 6906265170.

Email: info@kapa3.gr

Kapa3 Introduces Its New Psychological Support Team

On the occasion of May, Mental Health Awareness Month, and June, a month dedicated to cancer survivors, Kapa3 introduces its new Psychological Support Team.

The experience of cancer does not affect only the body. It deeply touches a person’s emotional world, daily life, relationships, family, work and sense of safety. From the moment of diagnosis, throughout treatment, and also in life after treatment, patients and their loved ones are often called to cope with fear, uncertainty, change, loss, exhaustion and, at times, a profound sense of loneliness.

At Kapa3, we know that supporting people affected by cancer requires a holistic approach. Information about rights, benefits and procedures is essential. Guidance through the health and social care system is equally important. But people also need a safe space where they can speak, be heard, express what weighs on them and receive support with respect, discretion and professionalism.

Kapa3’s new Psychological Support Team has been created for this purpose: to provide counselling and psychosocial support to people experiencing cancer, as well as to caregivers and family members.

The aim of the service is to empower, support and improve the quality of life of beneficiaries. Through psychological support, individuals may better recognise what they are experiencing, manage anxiety and uncertainty, strengthen their emotional resilience and feel that they are not alone in their journey.

The service is addressed to adult cancer patients, survivors, caregivers and family members. Support may relate to different stages of the cancer experience, including a new diagnosis, active treatment, the post-treatment period, recurrence, long-term follow-up or the daily challenges faced by caregivers.

Support is provided through a cycle of up to eight individual sessions, scheduled in consultation with the beneficiary and according to the availability of the service. Sessions may take place either in person or online, depending on the needs of the beneficiary and the operational framework of the service.

Confidentiality, professional ethics and the protection of personal data are central to the service. Participation is based on informed consent, and the information shared by the beneficiary remains confidential. Any exchange of information between Kapa3’s Psychological and Social Services is limited strictly to what is necessary in order to provide appropriate support.

The new team is part of Kapa3’s broader philosophy of interdisciplinary, person-centred and responsible care. Psychological support is connected with social guidance, information on rights and benefits, referral needs and the overall empowerment of the beneficiary.

At the same time, the service operates within clear boundaries. It has a supportive and counselling character and does not replace psychiatric monitoring, emergency psychiatric intervention or long-term psychotherapy. When needed, beneficiaries may be guided towards appropriate services or specialised mental health professionals.

At Kapa3, we believe that no one should have to face cancer alone. Psychological support is not a luxury. It is part of care. It is a space for listening, acceptance and empowerment.

Asking for help is not a weakness.
It is an act of care.
It is an act of self-awareness.
It is an act of strength.

Kapa3 – Cancer Guidance Centre
Together, with knowledge, care and human presence.

Co-Creating Myrto: A Digital Health and Rights Navigator for Cancer Patients

After five years of continuous work supporting cancer patients through digital guidance, the Cancer Guidance Center – Kapa3 is developing a new pioneering project: Myrto.

Myrto is a Social Artificial Intelligence intervention in the field of welfare and cancer patient support in Greece. It is an advanced digital tool, integrated into Kapa3’s website, designed to function as a digital health and rights navigator — a Patient Empowerment e-Navigator for people experiencing cancer, their caregivers and the professionals who support them.

Myrto is not limited to simply providing information. Its purpose is to interact, guide and evolve through the real needs of users. With particular attention to accessibility, the psychological dimension of the cancer experience and the everyday reality of patients, Myrto aims to become a human-centred and trustworthy environment for information, empowerment and support.

At Kapa3, we know that the cancer experience is not limited to diagnosis or treatment. It is often accompanied by uncertainty, administrative procedures, the search for rights, the need for social benefits, psychosocial pressure, practical barriers and the need for reliable guidance. For this reason, Myrto is being designed to support people throughout this complex journey in a clear, accessible and understandable way.

The development of Myrto is based on collaboration and co-creation. Recognising the multifaceted work of organisations, professionals and institutions that work daily with vulnerable groups, Kapa3 is inviting partners to contribute to the pilot testing, evaluation and improvement of the tool.

The experience of field professionals is invaluable. Social workers, legal experts, psychologists, healthcare professionals, social care organisations and civil society actors who work closely with people affected by cancer can make a meaningful contribution by identifying the most frequent questions, needs and concerns that emerge in everyday practice.

In this context, Myrto will be developed, tested and evaluated with the contribution of relevant experts, so that it responds to the real needs of cancer patients, caregivers and the professionals who support them. The evaluation will take place both online and in person in different parts of Greece, strengthening participation, accessibility and representativeness.

For Kapa3, technology has value when it serves people. Myrto is not being developed as an isolated technological product, but as part of a broader digital, inclusive and human-centred support framework. Its aim is to strengthen access to information, help patients and families understand available options and rights, and support the work of professionals who stand beside them at every stage of the journey.

The success of the project depends on collaboration. Together with organisations, professionals and communities, we are designing a tool that does not begin with technology, but with people’s real needs.

Myrto is a step towards more accessible, human-centred and equal support for cancer patients. A step that brings together field experience, social care, digital innovation and active participation.

Because real innovation in health and welfare is not only about creating new tools. It is about creating them together with those who understand the real needs.

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

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

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

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

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

Program of Online Sessions for Mental Health and Nutrition & Themes

Saturday, February 28, 2026, 17:30–19:00
Myths and truths about “anti-cancer” diets. How to evaluate nutritional information and avoid risky practices.
Saturday, March 14, 2026, 17:30–19:00
Stress and uncertainty: practical ways to manage them during treatments and exams.
Saturday, March 21, 2026, 17:30–19:00
Giving space to emotions without being overwhelmed: recognizing and expressing fear, anger, sadness, and guilt.
Saturday, March 28, 2026, 17:30–19:00
Nutritional support during treatment & the role of cachexia.
Saturday, April 25, 2026, 17:30–19:00
Boundaries without guilt: protecting energy and mental resilience.
Saturday, May 9, 2026, 17:30–19:00
Safe cooking practices & kitchen hygiene.
Saturday, May 23, 2026, 17:30–19:00
Family and illness: changes in relationships and ways to support each other.
Saturday, June 6, 2026, 17:30–19:00
The Tree of Life: who I am beyond the illness.
Saturday, June 13, 2026, 17:30–19:00
What gives meaning to life now: discovering small but meaningful elements that sustain us.

Format & Participation

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

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

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia for Kapa3

The new OECD report (2025) highlights Greece’s challenges and priorities in cancer

The new OECD report (2025) highlights Greece’s challenges and priorities in cancer, comparing them with other European countries.

Key points:

Increased incidence: Greece records ~67,000 new cancer diagnoses and ~36,000 deaths annually (2022 data). By 2050, cases are expected to increase by 36%.
Risk factors: Smoking, obesity, poor diet, air pollution, low HPV vaccination coverage.
Early diagnosis: There are programs for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer, but they are not yet sufficiently developed or sustainable beyond 2025.
Inequalities in care: Staff shortages, geographical inequalities, high out-of-pocket costs, difficulties in access for vulnerable groups.
Survivors & caregivers: There is no organized strategy for the quality of life of survivors, while caregivers are overburdened. The “right to be forgotten” does not yet apply in Greece.
Data & policy: Until recently, there was no national cancer registry. Greece does not yet have a comprehensive National Cancer Plan, unlike many other European countries.

Conclusion:
Greece is called upon to:

– strengthen prevention and population-based screening,

– reduce inequalities in access,

– support survivors and caregivers,

– and develop a holistic national cancer plan with clear targets and evaluation.

The report clearly shows that the country needs greater investment, better organization, and integration of actions into European planning.

See the report in detail here 22087cfa-en (1)

The main points are given in the file below by the Kapa3 team. OOSA 2025 REPORT

Telehealth Palliative Care Provides the Same Benefits as In-person Care

A recent study found that video-based telehealth palliative care produced results similar to in-person palliative care for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer and their caregivers. The study, presented at the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting in June, found that quality-of-life scores were virtually the same for telehealth and in-person palliative care.

Barriers Impacting Access to Palliative Care

According to Lindsey Ulin, a palliative care fellow at Massachusetts General Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, who was not involved in the study, palliative care is focused on providing supportive care to people living with cancer and other serious illnesses. Palliative care physicians help manage symptoms and side effects like pain, fatigue and nausea.

According to a 2019 analysis in Quality of Life Research, patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer and family members or friends who care for them often face physical, emotional and financial challenges that may impact their mental health and overall quality of life. And a 2024 article in American Society of Clinical Oncology Educational Book argued that early integration of palliative care alongside cancer treatment can improve patients’ quality of life.

However, both Greer and Ulin say many barriers limit access to this care for advanced-stage patients and their caregivers. Common roadblocks include hospitals and clinics not offering palliative care, the misconception that palliative care is only for people at the end of life, transportation issues and the cost of care.

“The hope is that telehealth palliative care reduces these burdens for the patient and the caregiver,” Greer says.

Telehealth Palliative Care Study Shows Promising Results

Greer’s study involved 1,250 patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer and their caregivers. His research team randomly assigned participants to telehealth or in-person early palliative care across 22 cancer centers in the United States.

Participants attended palliative care appointments every four weeks throughout their cancer treatment. At the week 24 assessments, quality-of-life scores were similar for telehealth (99.67) and in-person palliative care (97.67) based on the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Lung (FACT-L).

Researchers found there wasn’t a significant difference in patient-reported symptoms, such as anxiety and depression, between the groups. “These are fairly standard measures when looking at the effects of palliative care,” Greer says. “We look at these because we’ve found that palliative care clinicians can help patients improve their quality of life, as well as their symptoms of anxiety.”

One difference that study data revealed was less caregiver involvement (36.6%) in virtual palliative care than in-person care (49.7%). “We had hypothesized that, given how convenient telehealth is, it would be easier for caregivers to participate,” Greer says. “We realized that telehealth gives patients more autonomy to decide when to have a caregiver present. But with in-person care, the patient often needs a loved one to help them get to the clinic.”

“In palliative care, we think about the person living with cancer and their caregiver together as a unit,” Ulin says. “Palliative care is an extra layer of support, helping caregivers cope, communicate with other providers, understand a cancer diagnosis and treatment options, and provide resources.”