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’ve had this blocked ear for two weeks, and it’s not getting better. Do I need antibiotics?”

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General Information

• You are Sarah Thompson, a 32-year-old primary school teacher.
• You are generally healthy, with no history of ear infections or hearing problems.
• You are worried about your hearing, as your job requires you to listen carefully to students.
• You live with your partner, have no children, and no pets.
• You don’t smoke and rarely drink alcohol.
• You have no significant medical history and are not taking any medications.

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Presenting Complaint

(Information to Offer Freely)

• Your right ear has been blocked for two weeks.
• It feels full and muffled, like there’s cotton wool inside.
• You sometimes hear a popping noise, but it doesn’t relieve the pressure.
• You had a cold three weeks ago, and this started shortly after.

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Specific Information

(Only If Asked Directly)

Background Information

• You don’t have fever, ear pain, or ear discharge.
• You recently took a flight, and the ear pressure felt worse during take-off and landing.
• You haven’t tried any medications or remedies yet.
• You are worried about your hearing, as you struggle to hear clearly in conversations.

History of Presenting Complaint

• You don’t recall any trauma or injury to the ear.
• You don’t swim or frequently get water in your ears.
• The problem worsens in the mornings but improves slightly after yawning or swallowing.
• You don’t have allergies or sinus problems.
• You haven’t had dizziness, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), or balance issues.

Medical History

• No previous ear infections or hearing problems.
• No history of asthma, hay fever, or eczema.
• No history of headaches or migraines.
• No prior ear surgeries or use of hearing aids.

Social and Lifestyle Factors

• You work as a teacher in a noisy classroom and need to hear clearly.
• You don’t use cotton buds or insert anything into your ears.
• You’ve never had a hearing test before.

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Emotional and Behavioural Cues

• You start the consultation anxious about your blocked ear and hearing loss.
• You seem relieved if the doctor explains things clearly.
• If the doctor minimises your concerns, you become frustrated and press for answers.
• You become more relaxed if given a clear management plan and reassurance.

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Questions You May Ask

1. “Is this an infection? Do I need antibiotics?”
   • (If told no, you look concerned and ask “Then what’s causing it?”)
2. “Will my hearing go back to normal?”
   • (You look worried and ask, “How long will it take?”)
3. “Is there anything I can do to make it go away faster?”
4. “Do I need to see a specialist?”
   • (If told no, you ask, “What if it doesn’t get better?”)
5. “Could this be something serious?”

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Key Responses Based on Doctor’s Explanation

If the Doctor Says It’s Eustachian Salpingitis (Tube Dysfunction)

• You ask, “What does that mean?”
• If they explain it’s a blocked Eustachian tube from your cold, you ask, “So it’s not an infection?”
• If they explain how the tube connects to the ear and equalises pressure, you nod and seem more reassured.

If the Doctor Says It Will Resolve in a Few Weeks

• You look slightly frustrated and say, “So I just have to wait?”
• If the doctor suggests nasal sprays or decongestants, you ask, “Will that help unblock it?”
• You become more accepting if they explain how these treatments work.

If the Doctor Says You Don’t Need Antibiotics

• You look a bit unsure and say, “Are you sure? I thought all ear problems needed antibiotics.”
• If they explain that it’s not an infection but a blockage, you accept the explanation.

If the Doctor Mentions Auto-Inflation Techniques

• You ask, “How do I do that?”
• If explained clearly, you nod and say, “I’ll try that.”

If the Doctor Recommends a Follow-Up in a Few Weeks

• You ask, “What if it doesn’t get better?”
• If the doctor reassures you about when to seek further help, you feel more at ease.

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Closing Statement

“Alright, so I’ll try the nasal spray and those exercises. But if it doesn’t get better, I should come back, right?”