Analysis of health care of patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma in Colombia.

Análisis de la atención en salud de los pacientes diagnosticados con mieloma múltiple en Colombia.

Non-experimental research (mixed) cross-sectional, of descriptive type information was processed of 127 patients with multiple myeloma (MM) in Colombia, who receive treatment in 8 cities of the country. Objective: To identify the health-care process of patients with MM, and the characteristics of opportunity and quality in diagnosis and treatment. Methodology: A structured questionnaire is made describing according to the answers, the times of attention from the beginning of symptoms to its current treatment, through the misdiagnosis in which it was incurred. In addition, 4 focus groups are held in the cities of Bogotá, Medellín, Cali and Barranquilla. For the analysis of the results we used the regulatory framework of the Mandatory Quality Assurance System in Colombia (SOGC). Results: 68% patients reported having received misdiagnosis prior the final diagnosis. 35% used the writ of injunction to claim their health rights. 27% didn’t start timely treatment. 46% of the patients were referred to the hematologist within onemonth maximum, 24% between 2 and 4 months, 24% between 5 months and 1 year, and 6% mare that 1 year. Conclusions: It was identified a lack of opportunity in the diagnosis of the MM. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, it was evidenced opportunity in the access to the treatment. It is important highlight the need of awareness actions to patients and care personal, in pro of an opportunity and effective diagnosis of MM.