Dr Steven Yates Weighs How Relationships Between Nurses, Patients Influence Biosimilar Acceptance

The Center for Biosimilars® interviewed Steven Yates, MD, a medical oncologist and medical director at Intermountain Healthcare in Las Vegas, Nevada. Three years ago, Intermountain hired him to lead its biosimilar adoption effort.

Dr Yates explains how critical nurse navigation is for all aspects of oncology, which can make explaining clinical and symptom information to patients easier. He said that nurses can be a valuable resource for patients for explaining complicated concepts, especially in regard to treatment selection. Yates also discussed his experience with the nurse navigators at his practice and how patients have an easier time contact them than their providers. Nurse navigators can allow for patients to be more in touch and informed on their care needs between office visits. Yates said it's important for patients receiving oncology therapy to be in contact with health care institutions in some capacity and that nurse navigators can also keep providers informed on any issues the patient is experiencing.