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

“Doctor, this ulcer just won’t heal, and I don’t know what else to do. It’s been three months, and nothing is working!”

General Information

You are Margaret Collins, a 72-year-old retired teacher who has been struggling with a chronic ulcer on your right lower leg for the past three months. You first noticed swelling and darkening of the skin around your ankle, followed by the skin breaking down into an open wound. At first, you thought it would heal on its own, but it has only gotten worse.

Specific Information

(Reveal only when asked)

Background Information

The ulcer is leaking a yellowish fluid, and sometimes you feel a dull ache around it, especially when you’ve been standing for too long. You tried antiseptic creams from the pharmacy, but they haven’t helped. You are worried because you had a similar ulcer on your other leg two years ago, and it took six months to heal. You don’t want to go through that again.

You live alone, but your daughter visits twice a week to help with shopping and housework. You used to be more active, but your arthritis has made walking difficult, and you rely on a walker. This ulcer is making things even harder because now you have to be careful not to bump your leg. You are also frustrated because your leg feels heavy and swollen, especially by the end of the day.

History of the Ulcer

• You first noticed dry, scaly skin and itching around your ankle before the ulcer appeared.
• The swelling in your leg got worse, and after a few weeks, the skin broke open into a wound.
• At first, the ulcer was small, but it has grown bigger over the past few months.
• You tried using antiseptic creams, but they didn’t help.
• The wound leaks a yellowish fluid, and sometimes it soaks through your bandages.
• There is no bad smell from the wound.
• The pain is not sharp, but you feel a dull, throbbing ache, especially in the evening.
• You do not recall injuring your leg before the ulcer appeared.

Medical History and Symptoms

• You have type 2 diabetes and hypertension, but they are well controlled with medication.
• Your feet sometimes tingle, but you do not have numbness.
• Your legs feel heavy and tired, especially at the end of the day.
• Your ankles swell, especially when you sit or stand for too long.
• You do not have chest pain or shortness of breath.
• Your feet are not cold or blue, but the skin around the ulcer looks darker compared to the rest of your leg.
• You had a similar ulcer on your left leg two years ago, which took six months to heal.

Concerns

• You are worried this ulcer will never heal, like the last one.
• You are afraid of being admitted to hospital because you live alone and do not want to lose your independence.
• You are frustrated because you are doing everything right, but the wound is not improving.
• You feel stuck because you can’t move around much due to arthritis.
• You wonder if this ulcer is infected and if you need antibiotics.
• You are concerned about your mobility, as you are afraid of falling if your leg gets worse.

Expectations

• You want to know why this keeps happening and what you can do to prevent more ulcers.
• You are willing to try compression stockings, but you need help understanding how to use them.
• You want a realistic idea of how long this will take to heal.
• You want a clear wound care plan so that you don’t have to keep guessing what to do.
• You would prefer home-based treatment, as long as you can avoid hospital admission.

Emotional Cues & Body Language

• You appear frustrated and tired, shaking your head as you describe your symptoms.
• You sigh heavily when talking about how long the ulcer has been there.
• You express concern about being a burden on your daughter.
• You seem sceptical about whether this ulcer will heal, particularly if the candidate gives a vague timeline.
• If the candidate acknowledges your struggles and reassures you, you gradually become more engaged and hopeful.
• If the candidate is dismissive or too technical, you become withdrawn and discouraged.

Questions for the Candidate (Ask Naturally During the Consultation)

1. “Why do I keep getting these ulcers? Is there something wrong with my circulation?”
2. “Do I need antibiotics? It looks red around the edges.”
3. “How long is this going to take to heal? Last time it took six months!”
4. “What should I be doing differently to stop this from happening again?”
5. “Is it safe for me to use compression stockings? I’ve heard mixed things about them.”
6. “Will I need surgery for this, or can it heal on its own?”

Response to Advice Given by the Candidate

• If the candidate explains things clearly and provides a structured plan, you feel reassured and more hopeful.
• If the candidate tells you only to “wait and see,” you become frustrated and push for more action.
• If compression therapy is suggested, you express concerns about whether it will be painful or uncomfortable.
• If the candidate mentions a referral to a wound care clinic or vascular specialist, you agree but ask if it’s really necessary.
• If antibiotics are prescribed unnecessarily, you question why they are needed since the ulcer doesn’t seem badly infected.

Final Thought

If the candidate listens to your concerns, explains things clearly, and provides a structured management plan, you leave the consultation feeling more hopeful. If they are vague, dismissive, or fail to explain the condition properly, you remain frustrated and unconvinced that the plan will help.