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 itching and discharge down there for a few days, and I’m really worried it might be an STI.”

General Information

• You are Emily Patterson, a 28-year-old woman who has been experiencing vaginal itching, increased discharge, and discomfort for four days.
• You have been in a new relationship for three months and have not had an STI test before.
• You had a UTI two weeks ago, for which you took antibiotics (Trimethoprim).
• You are worried that this infection could be something serious or affect your fertility.
• You have no other major health issues and are otherwise well.

Specific Information

(Only if Asked)

Symptoms:

• You first noticed itching and irritation four days ago.
• The discharge is white, thick, and clumpy, but there is no strong odour.
• You feel some irritation around the vaginal opening, but there is no burning or pain when urinating.
• You have not noticed any unusual bleeding.
• You have not had a fever, pelvic pain, or abdominal pain.

Sexual History:

• You have had three sexual partners in your lifetime.
• You are in a new relationship for three months.
• You and your partner sometimes use condoms, but not consistently.
• You have never had an STI test before.

Medical and Gynaecological History:

• You have never been diagnosed with thrush, BV, or an STI before.
• You have had recurrent UTIs but nothing else concerning.
• You are not on any contraception and have regular periods every 28 days.
• You don’t use douches, vaginal washes, or perfumed hygiene products.
• You received the HPV vaccine as a teenager.

Lifestyle and Risk Factors:

• You don’t smoke and drink alcohol occasionally.
• You exercise regularly and eat a balanced diet.
• You are sexually active and have never been pregnant.

Emotional Cues & Body Language

• At the start, you are nervous and hesitant, shifting in your seat and looking down when discussing sexual health.
• You seem embarrassed when discussing symptoms, but you relax if the doctor reassures you that this is common.
• If the doctor explains things well, you nod and seem relieved.
• If the doctor suggests an STI test, you look worried and ask if your partner will need to be tested too.
• You are concerned about fertility and lean forward slightly when discussing long-term effects.

Questions for the Candidate

1. Could this be an STI? – You are worried about chlamydia or another infection.
2. Do I need antibiotics? – You assume that all vaginal infections need antibiotics.
3. Will this affect my fertility? – You are worried about infertility or complications.
4. Should I get tested for other STIs? – You don’t know much about STI screening but want to do the right thing.