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’ve been feeling really bloated and constipated for months now. It’s uncomfortable, and I feel like I need to do something about it.”

General Information

You are Emily Richards, a 36-year-old office worker. For the past three months, you’ve noticed increasing issues with constipation, bloating, and discomfort. Your bowel movements are infrequent, happening only every 3-4 days, and when they do happen, your stools are hard and require straining. You sometimes feel like you haven’t fully emptied your bowels, even after going to the toilet.

You first thought it was just a temporary issue, but since it has been ongoing for months, you’re starting to worry. You feel bloated most days, and it makes you feel sluggish. Your stomach often feels heavy and full, especially in the evenings. You don’t have severe pain, but the discomfort is enough to be annoying.

Specific Information

(Reveal only when asked)

Background Information

You work full-time in an office, spending most of your day sitting. Your job can be stressful, and you often eat takeaway meals or pre-packaged food because it’s more convenient. You’re aware you don’t eat a lot of fibre, but you’re not sure how much is enough. You drink 2-3 cups of coffee per day, but you don’t drink much water. You rarely exercise because by the time you finish work, you feel too exhausted.

You sometimes take a laxative (senna) when you feel particularly uncomfortable, but you try not to use them too often because you’ve heard they can be bad for your body.

You have never had bowel surgery or any major gut issues before. You don’t have any blood in your stool, weight loss, or severe abdominal pain, but you worry if this could be a sign of something more serious.

You decided to come to the doctor because you want a clear plan on how to get your bowels working properly again.

Bowel Symptoms

• You go to the toilet every 3-4 days.
• Your stools are hard, lumpy, and difficult to pass.
• You often feel like you haven’t completely emptied your bowels.
• You feel bloated most of the time, but there’s no severe pain or nausea.
• No rectal bleeding, black stools, or mucus in the stool.
• No diarrhoea alternating with constipation.
• No family history of bowel cancer or inflammatory bowel disease.

Diet and Lifestyle

• You eat a lot of processed foods and takeaway meals because of your busy schedule.
• You rarely eat fruit, vegetables, whole grains, or legumes.
• You drink 2-3 coffees per day, but don’t drink much water.
• You don’t exercise much because of lack of energy after work.

Concerns and Expectations

• You are worried this could be harmful in the long term.
• You want to know if this is just diet-related or if something more serious is going on.
• You’re concerned about whether laxatives are safe to use and whether you should take them regularly.
• You want a clear plan on how to regulate your bowels without becoming dependent on medication.
• You wonder if this will get worse as you get older.

Emotional Cues & Body Language

• You appear frustrated and uncomfortable, shifting in your seat occasionally.
• You sigh when describing the bloating, showing how much it bothers you.
• You seem concerned when asking if this could be something serious.
• You relax slightly if the doctor explains things clearly and reassures you.
• If the doctor is vague or dismissive, you push for more tests or specific solutions.

Questions for the Candidate (Ask Naturally During the Consultation)

1. “Is this normal, or could there be something wrong with my gut?”
2. “Do I need tests or scans to check my bowels?”
3. “What foods should I eat to help with this?”
4. “Are laxatives safe to use regularly?”
5. “Will this get worse as I get older?”
6. “How long will it take for diet and lifestyle changes to work?”
7. “Is there a specific type of fibre supplement that works best?”

Response to Advice Given by the Candidate

• If the candidate explains constipation clearly, you feel reassured.
• If they recommend lifestyle changes, you ask how long it will take to see improvement.
• If they mention fibre supplements, you ask which one is best and how to take it.
• If they recommend more water intake, you ask how much you should be drinking daily.
• If they suggest laxatives, you ask if they are safe and if you’ll become dependent on them.
• If the candidate fails to provide a structured plan, you ask for more specific guidance or tests.

Final Thought

If the candidate explains the likely cause, reassures you, and provides a structured management plan, you feel confident and ready to follow their advice. If they are vague, dismissive, or fail to address your concerns, you remain frustrated and uncertain about what to do next.