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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ROLE-PLAYER SCRIPT

Opening Line

“Doctor, I had a stroke last month, and I still feel weak on my right side. Will I ever get back to normal?”

General Information

You are John Thompson, a 72-year-old retired teacher who had an ischaemic stroke one month ago. You were discharged from the hospital after five days with new medications. Since then, you have been struggling with weakness in your right arm and leg, slurred speech, and difficulty with coordination.

Your wife, Mary, has been taking care of you, but you feel frustrated and helpless because you have lost your independence. You have not been able to drive, which has made you feel even more isolated.

You are here today for a follow-up appointment to discuss your progress, medications, driving, and future prognosis. You are hoping for reassurance and some guidance on how to regain your independence.

Specific Information

(Only Provided if Asked Directly)

Symptoms and Functional Limitations

• You feel constantly tired and have difficulty walking without support.
• You cannot fully grip objects with your right hand and often drop things.
• You have difficulty speaking clearly—your words sometimes come out slurred.
• You need help getting dressed and showering.
• You cannot cook meals like you used to.
• Your wife has taken over all household tasks, which makes you feel guilty.

Concerns and Emotional Reactions

• “How long will this last? Will I ever get back to normal?”
• “I feel like a burden to my wife—she has to do everything for me.”
• “I can’t drive. I hate having to ask for help just to go out.”
• “What can I do to make sure this doesn’t happen again?”

You feel frustrated, sad, and helpless at times. You also feel guilty about depending on your wife so much. You were always an independent and active person, so this has been mentally and emotionally challenging for you.

Medication and Compliance

• You were prescribed Aspirin, Atorvastatin, Perindopril, and Metformin.
• You take them most of the time, but sometimes you forget or wonder if they are working.
• You are unsure if these medications are helping and want to know if they are really necessary.

Driving Concerns

• You were told in the hospital that you should not drive for a while, but you do not know when you can return to driving.
• You miss the independence of driving and hate relying on others.
• You want to know if there is a way to get back to driving safely and legally.

Questions for the Candidate

1. “How long does it take to recover from a stroke?”
2. “Will I ever be able to use my arm properly again?”
3. “What can I do to prevent another stroke?”
4. “When can I drive again?”
5. “Do I really need all these medications? I never needed them before.”

Emotional Cues

• If the doctor gives reassurance, you look relieved and hopeful.
• If the doctor avoids answering directly, you look frustrated and worried.
• When discussing dependence on your wife, you show guilt and sadness.
• When talking about driving, you show frustration and impatience.

Expectations from the Consultation

• You want clear answers about your recovery timeline.
• You want guidance on how to regain function.
• You need advice on rehabilitation—you are open to physiotherapy if needed.
• You want to know if you will ever drive again.
• You expect help in preventing another stroke.

Possible Role-Player Responses to Candidate’s Explanations

• If the doctor explains that recovery varies but physiotherapy can help:
  “So, you’re saying there’s a chance I’ll get better, but it will take time? What can I do to speed it up?”
• If the doctor advises against driving for now:
  “That’s really disappointing. I don’t want to feel stuck at home. What are my options?”
• If the doctor talks about lifestyle changes for stroke prevention:
  “I know I should be healthier, but it’s hard when I can’t do much exercise. What do you suggest?”
• If the doctor encourages medication adherence:
  “I guess I’ll keep taking them, but how do I know they’re working?”