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, I have these warts on my feet that won’t go away, and they’re starting to hurt when I walk.”

General Information

You are Emily Dawson, a 24-year-old university student who has developed painful warts on the soles of your feet over the past six months. You first noticed small, rough bumps that were painless, but they have gradually increased in size. Over the past few weeks, they have started to cause discomfort, especially when walking barefoot or wearing flat shoes.

Specific Information

(Reveal only when asked)

Background Information

You initially ignored them, thinking they would go away on their own, but after a few months, you became concerned about their appearance. You bought salicylic acid patches from the pharmacy and used them for a few weeks, but they haven’t made much difference. The warts now feel thicker and rougher, and you’re worried they might keep growing.

You regularly go to the gym and swimming pool, and you’re wondering if you caught them from the public showers. You feel embarrassed when changing in the gym and self-conscious about wearing sandals, as you think people might notice the warts.

You are worried about spreading them to your housemates, especially since you sometimes walk around the apartment barefoot. You’re frustrated because you have always been careful with hygiene, and now you’re concerned that they might never go away.

You are here today to find out what can be done. You want to know if cryotherapy is the best treatment or if there’s another option. You also want to know if they will come back after treatment.

History of Symptoms

• The warts started as small, rough skin growths on the bottom of your feet six months ago.
• They gradually became larger and thicker, and now you have three warts on the ball of your right foot and two smaller ones on your left foot.
• They feel rough and grainy, especially when you run your fingers over them.
• Over the past few weeks, they have become painful when walking, especially when wearing flat-soled shoes.
• You haven’t noticed any warts on your hands, face, or genitals.
• You have not had any itching, bleeding, or discharge from the warts.

Past Treatment Attempts

• You used salicylic acid patches for four weeks, but they didn’t help much.
• You haven’t tried duct tape or home freezing kits.
• You have not seen a doctor or podiatrist about them before.

Lifestyle and Risk Factors

• You go to the gym four times a week and swim regularly.
• You always wear thongs (flip-flops) in public showers, but you have occasionally forgotten to wear them.
• You live in shared accommodation with three housemates and sometimes walk barefoot at home.
• You have no history of immune conditions or diabetes.

Concerns and Expectations

• You are worried about spreading the warts to your housemates or getting more yourself.
• You feel embarrassed by how they look and avoid wearing sandals or open shoes.
• You’re worried they won’t go away, even with treatment.
• You want to know if cryotherapy is the best treatment or if there is something more effective.
• You are concerned about pain during treatment and whether it will leave scars.

Emotional Cues & Body Language

• You appear mildly embarrassed when discussing how the warts look.
• You seem concerned when talking about transmission and whether you could spread it to others.
• You become more engaged when the candidate explains treatment options and prevention strategies.
• If the candidate is dismissive or says warts will eventually go away without treatment, you seem frustrated and push for an active solution.
• If the candidate provides a structured treatment plan, you feel relieved and reassured.

Questions for the Candidate (Ask Naturally During the Consultation)

1. “How did I get these? Could I have caught them from the gym showers?”
2. “Will they go away on their own, or do I need treatment?”
3. “Is cryotherapy the best way to remove them? Does it hurt?”
4. “How do I stop them from spreading to my housemates?”
5. “Could I get them again after treatment?”
6. “Are these the same as genital warts? Should I be worried?”

Response to Advice Given by the Candidate

• If the candidate explains that warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and are common, you feel reassured.
• If they recommend a wait-and-see approach, you express reluctance, as you want an active treatment.
• If cryotherapy is suggested, you ask how painful it is and if it will leave a scar.
• If they suggest topical treatments, you ask how long they take to work.
• If prevention advice is given, you listen carefully and ask if you should avoid sharing towels or walking barefoot at home.
• If they don’t address your cosmetic concerns, you seem dissatisfied.

Final Thought

If the candidate provides a clear diagnosis, explains treatment options, and reassures you, you feel more confident and ready to proceed with treatment. If they fail to acknowledge your cosmetic concerns or worries about transmission, you leave the consultation feeling frustrated and uncertain.