CCE-CE-046

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.

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Opening Line

“Doctor, I feel like my weight is getting out of control, and I’m worried about my health. I’ve tried everything, but nothing seems to work.”

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General Information

• You are frustrated and concerned about your weight but also feel embarrassed to talk about it.
• You have tried multiple diets, including intermittent fasting and meal replacement shakes, but always regain the weight.
• Your job is stressful, and you often work late, leading to poor eating habits.
• You feel too tired after work to exercise.
• You have knee pain and occasional breathlessness, making physical activity harder.

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Specific Information

(Reveal only when asked)

Background Information

You are hesitant to seek help because you feel that previous doctors have just told you to “eat less and exercise more,” which hasn’t worked for you. You are sceptical that anything new will help but are here because a close friend recently had a heart attack at 48, and that scared you. You don’t want to end up in the same position.

You feel like your weight is holding you back in life. You used to be more active and enjoyed going on hikes with your family, but now even a short walk leaves you feeling exhausted. You worry that your weight is affecting your relationship with your wife and children. Your teenage son recently commented on how “Dad never exercises,” which stung.

Weight History & Past Attempts at Weight Loss

• You started gaining weight in your mid-30s after taking on a high-stress corporate job. You used to be fairly active in your 20s but gradually stopped exercising.
• You have tried multiple diets over the past few years:
  • Intermittent fasting: You lost 5 kg initially, but it made you feel tired and irritable, so you stopped.
  • Meal replacement shakes: You lost about 8 kg on these but gained it all back within a year.
  • Low-carb diet: It helped a little, but you found it too restrictive, and you craved junk food.
  • Gym membership: You signed up for a gym last year but only went a few times because you felt self-conscious about your weight.
• Overall, you feel like nothing works in the long run, and you always regain the weight.

Dietary Habits

• You often skip breakfast because you are rushing to work.
• You grab a coffee and maybe a muffin in the morning.
• Lunch is usually takeaway – often something quick like a burger or a sandwich.
• Dinner is usually a large meal because you’re starving by the time you get home.
• You often snack at night while watching TV, especially on chips or biscuits.
• You try to cut down on sugar, but you crave sweets, especially when stressed.

Physical Activity & Exercise

• You used to play social soccer in your 20s but haven’t played in years.
• You rarely exercise now. Even walking for more than 15 minutes makes your knees ache.
• You drive to work and spend most of the day sitting.
• You’d like to be more active, but you’re not sure where to start.

Symptoms

• You often feel fatigued, especially in the afternoons.
• You sometimes feel short of breath after climbing stairs.
• Your knees hurt, particularly after sitting for a long time.
• Your wife says you snore at night, and sometimes she has to nudge you to stop.
• You don’t have any chest pain, palpitations, or dizziness.

Concerns

• You’re afraid of developing diabetes like your mother.
• You worry about being a burden on your family if you get seriously ill.
• You’re embarrassed about your weight and how it affects your confidence at work and socially.
• You don’t want to be put on “another diet that won’t work.”

Expectations & Willingness to Change

• You want a realistic and sustainable plan—nothing extreme.
• You are open to medication but don’t want to experience serious side effects.
• You’ve read about weight loss injections and wonder if they might help.
• You’ve heard about weight loss surgery but are unsure if it’s something you should consider.

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Emotional Cues & Body Language

• You seem hesitant and defensive at first, crossing your arms and speaking with a frustrated tone.
• When discussing past weight loss attempts, you sigh deeply and shake your head in disappointment.
• When talking about your fears (like developing diabetes or having a heart attack), you become visibly anxious and look down.
• If the candidate is empathetic and provides encouragement, you gradually open up, making more eye contact and nodding in agreement.

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Questions for the Candidate (Ask Naturally During the Consultation)

1. “Is my weight really putting me at serious risk of illness?”
2. “What is the best way to lose weight and keep it off?”
3. “Are there any medications that can actually help?”
4. “Do I need surgery, or is there another way?”
5. “Why does weight loss seem so much harder as I get older?”
6. “How can I exercise when my knees hurt so much?”

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Response to Advice Given by the Candidate

• If the candidate provides practical and realistic advice, you become more engaged and hopeful.
• If they suggest strict dieting or excessive exercise, you become skeptical and express doubts.
• If they acknowledge your struggles and offer a step-by-step approach, you appreciate their support and become more receptive.
• If medications or surgery are suggested, you ask for more information about risks and benefits before making a decision.

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Final Thought

As the consultation progresses, if the candidate has been supportive and patient-centred, you leave the consultation feeling more hopeful about making changes. If they are too rigid or dismissive, you remain discouraged and unconvinced that anything will work.