Speaking: Clinical Role-Play Scenarios Flashcards

A patient asks a question you cannot answer during the role-play. The best response is to:

Answer: Be honest and offer to find out or refer appropriately

Honesty and offering to follow up maintains trust and professionalism.

Which behaviour best builds rapport at the start of a consultation?

Answer: Greeting the patient by name and introducing yourself

A warm, personalised greeting establishes rapport from the outset.

A patient is reluctant to discuss alcohol use. The most appropriate approach is to:

Answer: Normalise the topic and ask in a non-judgemental way

Normalising sensitive topics reduces shame and encourages honest answers.

When a patient uses a medical term incorrectly, you should:

Answer: Gently clarify the correct meaning without embarrassing them

Gentle clarification preserves dignity while ensuring accurate understanding.

Which response best confirms a shared plan at the end of the consultation?

Answer: So we've agreed you'll start the new medication and return in two weeks

Summarising the agreed plan confirms mutual understanding and next steps.

A patient seems overwhelmed by too much information. The best strategy is to:

Answer: Prioritise the key message and offer written follow-up

Prioritising key points and offering written backup prevents information overload.

Which phrase best invites a patient to share their perspective (ICE - ideas, concerns, expectations)?

Answer: What were you hoping we might do about this today?

Asking about expectations elicits the patient's perspective, a core consultation skill.