Opinion
Video
Key topics for patient-provider conversations within the biosimilar landscape are highlighted by expert panelists.
This is a video synopsis/summary of a panel discussion involving Ryan Haumschild, PharmD, MS, MBA; Alice B. Gottlieb, MD, PhD; Bincy Abraham, MD, MS; Jamie T. Brogan, APRN; and Vibeke Strand, MD.
Ryan Haumschild, PharmD, MS, MBA, asked Vibeke Strand, MD, how providers can manage patient expectations and address potential nocebo effects with biosimilars.
Vibeke Strand, MD, said shared decision-making and educating patients on biosimilars reduce nocebo effects. Patients should understand what biosimilars are and why they may be used. Multiple discussions over time and resources for additional questions allow patients to gain confidence. At the veteran health clinic, patients seem accepting of biosimilars with little pushback, perhaps owing to gratitude for care and respect for providers.
Ryan Haumschild, PharmD, MS, MBA, agreed patient education levels and capacity to understand biosimilars vary. Ensuring access and affordability enables positive outcomes from trials. He asked Jamie T. Brogan, APRN, about her strategies to enhance biosimilar access and affordability.
Jamie T. Brogan, APRN, uses an integrated specialty pharmacy for efficient prior authorization and access insights. She builds relationships with pharmaceutical resources for samples, assistance programs, and data to ease access. She provides educational materials, enrolls patients in company assistance programs, and proactively advises patients about potential switches to mitigate anxiety. Identifying coverage gaps and assistance programs maintains access and adherence.
Video synopsis is AI-generated and reviewed by AJMCÒ editorial staff.