OBJECTIVES Describe the main emotional, social and health care needs of patients diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia in Colombia.

METHODS A transversal descriptive study was carried out, using the information gathering techniques, like the structured interview through a telephone survey and the focus group.

RESULTS The research included a sample of 165 patients, 56% women, 44% men, with an average age of 51 years. On the itinerary of the process of diagnosis of the patient with CML, 25% of patients received erroneous diagnoses. 69% of patients agreed to the diagnosis after 2 months after the presence of symptoms. In terms of access to the hematology specialist, although 48% took more than three weeks and up to 6 months or more, to access the specialist. This delay was greater for the poorest and most vulnerable patients, those affiliated to the subsidized EPSs 58%.

Once treatment began,102 patients reported having suspended the medication for non-medical reasons, among which the delay in the delivery of medication predominated (79% contributive regimen versus 91% subsidized regimen). About time of delivery of medication, it was found that 30% received the medication immediately.The 63% of patients had to institute a guardianship action for the claim of their health rights, more frequent for the subsidized regime; and 27% of patients considered the delay in delivery of medicines, as the main problem for patients with CML in Colombia. In terms of emotional needs, 59% of patients expressed a predominance of positive emotions today.

CONCLUSIONS Although patients with CML do not show explicit denials of procedures or medicines, they refer to frequent delays in authorizations, as well as in the provision of medicines, which occur more in the subsidized EPSs.The present research shows a greater vulnerability for patients affiliated to the subsidized EPSs as well as timely access to medicines.