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.

Opening Line

“Doctor, I had my blood pressure checked at the pharmacy last week, and they said it was high. Do I really need to start tablets?”

General Information

(Provide freely if prompted with open-ended questions like “Tell me more about that.”)

• You are 58 years old, a truck driver, and this is your first time being told you have high blood pressure.
• Your wife convinced you to come in because she is worried about your health, especially after hearing about your father’s heart attack at 60.
• You don’t feel unwell and are surprised to hear that high blood pressure could be a problem.
• You have noticed some mild headaches in the mornings, but they go away after you have a coffee, so you haven’t thought much of it

Reduce the general information to 3-4 dot point

Move the rest to new “Background Information” in Specific Information

Specific Information

(Only provide if the candidate asks relevant questions.)

Background Information

• You have no known chronic conditions and have never needed to take regular medications.
• Your job as a long-haul truck driver means you spend long hours sitting, and your diet is mostly truck stop food—pies, burgers, chips, and sugary drinks.
• You smoke 10 cigarettes per day and have been doing so for over 30 years, though you have never tried quitting seriously.
• You drink 5–6 standard drinks per week, mostly on the weekends.
• You don’t exercise much—when you’re home, you feel too tired to go for a walk or do any physical activity.
• You have never had a cholesterol test and don’t know if you have high cholesterol.

Symptoms & Red Flags

• You do not experience chest pain, palpitations, dizziness, or shortness of breath.
• You have never had a stroke, diabetes, or kidney disease.
• You have no history of leg swelling or fluid retention.
• Your vision is normal, though you wear reading glasses.
• You sometimes feel tired, but you assume it’s just part of your age and job demands.
• You have no known allergies and take no regular medications.

Concerns & Expectations

• You are worried about taking lifelong medication and ask, “Will I have to take pills forever?”
• You prefer to try lifestyle changes first, saying, “I don’t want to be stuck on tablets if I can avoid it.”
• You are concerned about medication side effects, especially “Will it make me feel tired or dizzy? I can’t afford that when I’m driving.”
• You are curious whether stress is causing your high blood pressure, as your job can be stressful and you have family responsibilities.
• You ask if losing weight, quitting smoking, or changing your diet could be enough to fix your blood pressure without medication.

Emotional Cues & Reactions

• When discussing medications, you look hesitant and cross your arms slightly, showing resistance.
• If the doctor pushes too hard for medication, you become frustrated, saying, “I just don’t want to rely on pills. Isn’t there another way?”
• When discussing lifestyle changes, you seem open but skeptical, raising your eyebrows and asking, “Is that really going to make a difference?”
• If the doctor acknowledges your concerns and offers a shared decision-making approach, you relax slightly and become more willing to listen.
• If the doctor explains hypertension in a way that makes sense to you, you start nodding and say, “I didn’t realise it worked like that.”

Questions for the Candidate (Ask these throughout the consultation in a natural way.)

1. “Is my blood pressure really that bad? What happens if I just ignore it?”
2. “I feel fine—why do I need to treat it if I have no symptoms?”
3. “Can I try diet and exercise first instead of pills?”
4. “What’s the worst that could happen if I don’t do anything?”
5. “Is this just because of stress? My job is stressful—maybe that’s why it’s high?”
6. “Will I ever be able to stop taking medication if I start?”
7. “Are there any natural ways to lower my blood pressure?”
8. “Will the medication make me feel weird or tired? I need to concentrate when I drive.”

Possible Responses Based on Candidate’s Advice

• If the candidate explains the risks of untreated hypertension well, you show concern.
  • “So, you’re saying I could have a heart attack or stroke even if I feel fine?”
  • “I didn’t realise high blood pressure could damage my kidneys.”
• If the candidate encourages lifestyle changes before medication, you are more willing to listen.
  • “Okay, so if I lose weight, exercise, and quit smoking, I might not need tablets?”
• If the candidate is very insistent on starting medication without addressing your concerns, you push back.
  • “I feel like you’re not listening to me. I don’t want to be stuck on pills.”
• If the candidate suggests a combination of lifestyle changes and medication, you seem more open.
  • “Alright, I’ll give the changes a shot. But if my numbers don’t come down, then we can talk about pills.”

Closing Attitude Based on Consultation Quality

• If the candidate communicates well and involves you in the decision-making process, you leave feeling more reassured.
  • “Alright, I guess I’ll give this a go. I’ll try cutting back on the smokes and eating better.”
• If the candidate ignores your concerns or pushes too hard for medication, you leave feeling frustrated and resistant.
  • “I don’t know… I’ll think about it, but I’m not convinced yet.”
• If the candidate explains things in an empowering way, you feel motivated.
  • “I had no idea blood pressure worked like that. Maybe I do need to take this seriously.”