OET Speaking Template: Test# 7
By Dr. Taimoor Hassan
Roleplay Script (Doctor's Perspective)
Setting:
Suburban Clinic
Participants
Doctor (You)
Patient (42-year-old)
Case History Details:
You are discussing with your 42-year-old patient who is in doubt about the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. The patient has just received their second test this month, the result being 7.6 mmol/L in fasting blood glucose. The patient is in denial about having the disease and disputes their diagnosis.
Sample Doctor-Patient Interaction:
Candidate:
Afternoon to you, Mr./Ms. [Surname of patient]. Nice seeing you today. How are you?
Patient Response:
I am good, Doc, but I'm still not so sure about the results you gave me today. Could it be a mistake? I do not eat sugar, so how can I have diabetes?
Candidate:
I know this must be hard to digest. Just a little explanation: diabetes, more precisely, Type 2 diabetes, does not have sugar intake as the sole culprit for causation. This is a disorder wherein your body cannot manage glucose properly. This may be due to genetic problems along with other lifestyle and sometimes age-related factors.
Patient:
But the test was only done twice. Can you be so sure? I don't feel any different.
Candidate:
I can understand that it must come as a bit of a shock, as you have been asymptomatic until now. However, according to international criteria-the World Health Organization's, too-you having two elevated fasting blood glucose readings, as you had 7.6 mmol/L, actually constitutes a diagnosis of diabetes. The early stages of this disease are usually asymptomatic; that is why these tests are so important.
Patient:
Am I sure that treatment is really urgent? Could we do some tests perhaps?
Candidate:
I know you'd like more surety, but with your results so far, you really don't need more tests at the moment. What's most important now is your starting regulation of blood sugar to avoid the complications of diabetes. If left untreated, diabetes will eventually affect your heart, kidneys, eyes, and even nerves. Early treatment can help you preserve much health and prevent many of these complications.
Patient:
But I really don't want to start medications or make changes in my life if I am not even sure I have this condition.
Candidate:
I hear you, and I want you to leave feeling confident in the plan forward. There are things we can do that don't involve rushing into medication. We could start some lifestyle changes in the way of dietary adjustment and increase in physical activity. These can help manage your blood sugar. I can also refer you to a dietitian or a diabetes educator who will engage you in specifics.
Patient:
Okay, that does make sense. I'll give your suggestion a go.
Candidate:
That's great to hear from you. We will follow up on your progress periodically. Maybe later medications can be prescribed, but for now, these changes in lifestyle will bring in considerable improvement. You are welcome to call if at any point of time you have a query or feel confused about anything.
Patient:
Thank you, Doctor. I will try.
Candidate:
You are welcome; I'll be here to support you through the process. Let's schedule your next check-up in some weeks. Take good care, and we'll see the improvement by then.
For Letter Rechecking and Speaking Mocks
Join our Whatsapp Group