ROLE PLAYER INSTRUCTIONS

Just like a consultation with a doctor, the candidate will ask you a series of questions.
The OPENING LINE is always to be said exactly as written. This is the only part of the script
which will be the same for all candidates. Where the candidate goes after the opening line is
up to them.

The remainder of the information is to be given based on the questions asked by the
candidate.

The information in the following script are core pieces of information. The core pieces of
information will not necessarily follow the order in the script but should be given when cued
by the candidate’s question.

GENERAL INFORMATION can be given relatively freely. After the opening line, most
candidates will ask an open question like “Can you tell me more about that?” You can provide
the GENERAL INFORMATION in response to that sort of question.

SPECIFIC INFORMATION should only be given when the candidate asks a relevant question.
Candidates don’t need to ask for all the information in the SPECIFIC INFORMATION section,
but all the relevant information is given there should they want to.

Each line or dot point in the SPECIFIC INFORMATION section is an appropriate chunk of
information which can be provided to the candidate when asked a relevant question.

Do not give extra information than asked.

Do not provide details which are not given in the information chunks (i.e.: do not elaborate
or ad-lib).

If the candidate asks a question that is not given in the script, the best way to respond is with
a generic response indicating there is no problem. For example:

Candidate: “How many hours do you sleep?”
Response: “I’m sleeping fine.” / “I don’t have any concerns about my sleep.”

The case may have specific QUESTIONS to ask the candidate. You can start asking the
QUESTIONS if the candidate asks about your ideas or concerns or questions.

Ask the other questions in a conversational way. You do not need to ask all the questions. The
aim should be to ask most of the questions but without interrupting the candidate.

The Patient Record Summary is also included. This is not part of the script but is included for
your general information.

If you need help in understanding any of the medical information in the script, ask the College
examiner who will be with you, and they can help to explain the terms or the conditions.

---

ROLE-PLAYER SCRIPT

Opening Line

“Hi Doctor, I’m heading to Southeast Asia and Nepal for a few months and just wanted to check what vaccines or medications I need.”

---

General Information

• Your name is Michael Patterson, a 32-year-old graphic designer.
• You are planning a three-month backpacking trip to Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Nepal.
• You will be staying in hostels and budget accommodations, and spending time in rural areas.
• You have mild asthma and occasionally use Salbutamol but are otherwise healthy.

---

Specific Information

(To be revealed when asked appropriate questions)

Background Information

• You don’t smoke and drink socially.
• Your childhood vaccinations are up to date, but you’re unsure about travel-specific vaccines.
• You have done some online research but feel overwhelmed by all the conflicting information.

Travel Itinerary & Activities

• You fly into Bangkok and plan to travel through Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam over two months.
• You will be visiting major cities but also spending time in rural areas, particularly in Cambodia.
• You will then fly to Nepal, where you plan to hike in the Annapurna region for about three weeks.
• You haven’t booked any medical insurance yet and aren’t sure if you need it.

Vaccination Concerns

• You don’t remember if you’ve had a hepatitis A or typhoid vaccine.
• You have read that Japanese encephalitis is a risk in rural areas but aren’t sure if you need the vaccine.
• You are unsure if you need a rabies vaccine, especially since you plan to visit rural areas.

Mosquito-Borne Diseases

• You know malaria exists in some parts of Southeast Asia but don’t know if you need malaria tablets.
• You have heard about dengue fever and Japanese encephalitis and don’t know how to protect yourself.
• You don’t usually get bitten by mosquitoes but want to be prepared.

Food and Water Safety Concerns

• You love trying local food but are worried about getting food poisoning or diarrhoea.
• You don’t know whether tap water is safe to drink in these countries.
• You have heard about traveller’s diarrhoea and oral rehydration salts but don’t know when to use them.

Altitude Sickness Concerns

• You plan to hike in Nepal for about three weeks, reaching altitudes of 4,000-5,000 metres.
• You have never been to high altitudes before and don’t know what to expect.
• You have read about altitude sickness but aren’t sure if you need medication.

---

Questions You Might Ask the Doctor

1. Vaccinations:
   “Do I need any vaccinations before I go? I don’t want to get sick, but I also don’t want unnecessary shots.”
2. Mosquito Protection:
   “Should I take malaria tablets? I’ve read conflicting advice about which ones are best and whether I even need them.”
   “How do I avoid mosquito bites? Is there a specific repellent you recommend?”
3. Food and Water Safety:
   “How do I avoid food poisoning while travelling? Can I eat street food safely?”
   “Is it safe to drink tap water in these countries, or should I buy bottled water?”
4. Altitude Sickness:
   “I’ll be trekking in Nepal – do I need medication for altitude sickness?”
   “How can I prepare my body for high altitudes?”
5. General Health & Safety:
   “Should I get travel insurance? I’m healthy, so I don’t know if I need it.”
   “What should I pack in a basic travel medical kit?”

---

Emotional Cues & Body Language

• You are enthusiastic about your trip and excited to travel.
• However, you are also feeling slightly anxious about health risks, particularly altitude sickness and mosquito-borne diseases.
• When discussing vaccinations, you may look hesitant about getting too many injections.
• If the doctor gives clear, logical explanations, you nod in agreement and seem more reassured.
• If the doctor dismisses your concerns or gives vague answers, you might look sceptical or ask follow-up questions.
• You want practical, easy-to-follow advice rather than overly technical explanations.

---

Additional Responses Based on Doctor’s Approach

If the Doctor Gives Clear, Reassuring Advice:

• “That makes sense! I’ll definitely look into getting those vaccines and taking malaria prevention seriously.”
• “Okay, I’ll make sure to pack a good mosquito repellent and be careful with food and water.”

If the Doctor Seems Uncertain or Gives Confusing Advice:

• “Wait, so do I need malaria tablets or not? Some websites say I do, some say I don’t. Can you clarify?”
• “I don’t really understand – can you explain the altitude sickness thing in simpler terms?”

If the Doctor Fails to Mention an Important Point:

• “I read about rabies – do you think I should get that vaccine too?”
• “What if I do get food poisoning – what should I take?”