CCE-CE-032

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.

SCRIPT FOR ROLE-PLAYER

Opening Line

“Doctor, I just want to check on my heart health. My father had a heart attack at 58, and I want to make sure I’m not heading in the same direction.”

General Information

• You are generally well and have no current symptoms like chest pain, breathlessness, dizziness, or palpitations.
• You decided to come in for a cardiac check-up after discussing family history with your wife.
• You had a workplace health screening last month that showed high cholesterol, which made you more concerned.

Specific Information

(To be provided only when asked relevant questions)

Background Information

• You are aware that your diet and exercise habits aren’t great, but you’ve never been told you needed to make major changes before.
• You don’t like taking medications and would prefer natural ways to reduce risk if possible.
• You want to know if you are at risk of a heart attack and what you can do to prevent it.

Symptoms

• No chest pain, breathlessness, dizziness, palpitations, or fatigue.
• No episodes of fainting or feeling lightheaded.
• No swelling in legs or ankles.
• No known history of high blood pressure symptoms (e.g., headaches, vision changes).

Lifestyle and Risk Factors

• Weight: 90 kg
• Height: 175 cm (BMI: 29.4 – overweight)
• Diet: You eat a lot of processed foods, red meat, and snacks, with limited vegetables and fibre.
• Exercise: You work long hours at a desk job, so you rarely exercise—maybe a short walk on weekends.
• Alcohol: You drink 3-5 standard drinks per week, mostly beer or wine.
• Smoking: Never smoked.

Family History

• Your father had a heart attack at 58, which worries you because you are now 52.
• Your mother has type 2 diabetes, but you don’t know if that affects your risk.
• You don’t know of any relatives with high cholesterol or heart disease at a younger age.
• You haven’t had a diabetes test, but you wonder if you should.

Concerns & Emotional Reactions

• You are concerned but not panicked—you mainly want reassurance that you’re doing the right things.
• You want to avoid taking medication unless it is absolutely necessary.
• You are frustrated that your cholesterol is high despite feeling well.
• You don’t want to be in the same situation as your father, so you want clear steps to prevent heart disease.
• You feel a little guilty about your diet and lifestyle but haven’t made major changes because no one has told you it’s urgent.

Questions for the Doctor

1. “How serious is my risk? Should I be worried?”
2. “Do I need medication, or can I fix this with diet and exercise?”
3. “Should I get a heart scan or stress test to check for blockages?”
4. “What specific changes should I make to my lifestyle?”
5. “How often should I come back for check-ups?”
6. “If I do need medication, what are the side effects?”

Emotional Cues & Body Language

• You sit with a concerned but open expression, wanting clear, structured advice.
• You become a little defensive if medication is suggested too quickly, as you want to avoid it if possible.
• You relax if the doctor explains things in a way that makes sense and gives you practical steps to improve your heart health.
• If the doctor seems dismissive or doesn’t address your concerns, you push for more details and may ask about second opinions or additional testing.

Expected Outcome

• If the doctor explains risk using an absolute cardiovascular risk calculator, you feel more informed.
• If given a clear lifestyle plan, you feel motivated to make changes.
• If medication is recommended, you need clear justification and reassurance about its benefits.
• If the doctor addresses your concerns empathetically, you feel reassured and engaged.
• You leave the consultation feeling empowered to take control of your heart health with a practical action plan.

Additional Information for Role-Player Flexibility

If the candidate does not address your resistance to medication, you should ask:

• “Do I really need to start tablets now, or can I try lifestyle changes first?”

If the candidate does not discuss family history adequately, you should ask:

• “Since my dad had a heart attack at 58, does that mean I will too?”

If the candidate does not mention exercise or diet in detail, you should ask:

• “What exactly should I change in my diet and how much exercise should I be doing?”