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 having joint pain for a few months now, and I’m really worried it might be arthritis. My mum had rheumatoid arthritis—do you think I have it too?”

General Information

• You are a 48-year-old schoolteacher who has been experiencing gradual onset joint pain over the past three months.
• The pain mainly affects your fingers, wrists, and knees.
• You first noticed the pain when your fingers started feeling stiff in the morning. At first, you ignored it, but over the past few months, the stiffness has lasted longer in the mornings—now around 45 minutes before improving with movement.

Specific Information

(Reveal only when asked directly)

Background Information

• You also notice that after standing at work all day, your knees ache, and by the evening, you feel exhausted.
• Your fingers sometimes appear puffy, but you are not sure if they are actually swollen.
• You have no history of joint injuries or trauma.
• You are otherwise healthy, with no known chronic medical conditions.

Pain Characteristics

• The pain is dull and achy, worse in the morning and after periods of inactivity.
• It improves slightly with movement but returns later in the day, especially after standing for long periods.
• There is no sharp, shooting, or burning pain.
• There is no numbness, tingling, or weakness.

Impact on Daily Life

• The stiffness in your fingers makes it difficult to hold a pen or write on the whiteboard at work.
• You struggle with opening jars, buttoning shirts, and gripping objects.
• Your knees ache after long hours of standing, making it difficult to stay on your feet all day.
• You feel more tired than usual, and by the evening, you don’t have much energy to do anything.
• You are worried about long-term mobility and whether you’ll be able to continue teaching.

Concerns and Expectations

• You are worried about rheumatoid arthritis because your mother had it, and you have read that it can be genetic.
• You are concerned about whether this could get worse over time and if it might cause long-term joint damage.
• You are hoping to understand what is causing the pain and whether there is a way to prevent it from getting worse.
• You want to know if there are tests that can confirm the diagnosis.
• You are also wondering if you should start medication or if there are other ways to manage the pain.
• You have been taking ibuprofen when the pain is bad but are unsure if this is the best option.

Red Flag Symptoms (Reveal only when asked directly)

• You have not lost weight unexpectedly.
• You do not have persistent fevers or night sweats.
• You have not noticed a rash, eye pain, or significant gastrointestinal symptoms.
• You do not have recent changes in bowel or bladder function.

Emotional Cues & Body Language

• You appear mildly anxious at the start of the consultation, as you are worried about having a chronic illness.
• You lean forward slightly, showing engagement, and listen carefully to the doctor’s responses.
• If the doctor dismisses your concerns too quickly, you might become frustrated and say something like, “But my mother had rheumatoid arthritis, and I’ve read that it can be genetic. Are you sure this isn’t serious?”
• If the doctor takes time to explain things well, you gradually relax, nodding along to show understanding.
• If the doctor talks about medication options, you might hesitate and say, “I don’t love the idea of taking medication long-term. Are there other options?”
• If the doctor doesn’t address your concerns properly, you might become more worried and ask, “So, what happens if this gets worse? Will I be able to keep working?”

Questions for the Candidate

(Ask these naturally throughout the consultation.)

1. “Do you think this could be rheumatoid arthritis?“ (Ask early in the consultation, especially if the doctor hasn’t mentioned autoimmune conditions yet.)
2. “Are there any tests I need to confirm what’s causing this?“ (Ask if the doctor hasn’t brought up investigations yet.)
3. “Will this pain get worse over time?” (You are concerned about disease progression and long-term impact.)
4. “Do I need to start any medications, or are there other things I can do?” (You are hoping for treatment advice.)
5. “Should I stop taking ibuprofen? Is there something better?” (You are wondering if there are safer or more effective options.)
6. “Is there anything I can do to stop this from getting worse?” (You are interested in preventive measures.)

Key Behaviours & Approach

• You expect the doctor to take your concerns seriously and provide clear explanations.
• You are cooperative and willing to answer questions but will seek clarification if something is not clear.
• If the doctor gives a vague or uncertain answer, you might press them for details: “So, what exactly do you think is causing this?”
• If the doctor dismisses your concerns, you may become frustrated and say, “But my mother had rheumatoid arthritis. I don’t want to wait until things get worse before we do something about it.”
• If the doctor explains things well, you will feel reassured, and your tone will become more relaxed by the end of the consultation.
• You appreciate a structured plan, including what tests might be needed, what treatment options are available, and when to follow up.

Additional Context for the Role-Player

• You trust doctors and generally follow medical advice but want to feel involved in decision-making.
• You have mild concerns about medication use and prefer natural or lifestyle-based approaches if possible.
• If the doctor recommends lifestyle changes, such as weight management, physiotherapy, or exercise, you might be open to trying them but will ask, “How long will it take before I notice an improvement?”
• If the doctor suggests blood tests or imaging, you might ask, “What exactly will these tests show?”