Sentry Page Protection

Role Play Scenario 8


You are a third year medical student and one of your friends at university, Helen has asked you to write a 'doctor's note' to support her recent delayed coursework submission. Helen has asked you mention that she had the flu in the doctor's note and she states that without this note, she will likely fail this module.

​You have agreed to meet with Helen to discuss her request further.
​​
Average Candidate Approach
  • Rushing straight into the matter, rather than starting with open questions and developing rapport (open questions and establishing rapport is vital even with long term friends).
  • Not providing Helen with adequate opportunity to express her concerns and wishes
  • A lack of empathy shown through verbal and non-verbal communication.
  • Failing to address additional issues. Candidates not asking about any additional concerns will not establish the true reasons for Helen's delayed submission (recent family bereavement), which in itself would be sufficient justification for the delayed coursework submission.
​
'Hi Helen, nice to see you. Unfortunately, I can't write a note for your coursework as I believe that it would not be ethical. I am really sorry about this and I hope that your course tutor understands that you were unwell recently.'
​
​Excellent Candidate Approach
  1. Introduction
  2. Open Questions
  3. Develop Rapport
  4. Address the issues known
  5. Identify any additional issues
  6. Summary and plan going forward

Key Issues 
  1. Appropriate consultation structure as per the Six Point Approach
  2. As a medical student, you are not adequately qualified to write 'doctor's notes' and providing a sick note would be seen as wholly unprofessional.
  3. Even as a doctor, it is important not to treat your friends and families, and hence for any medical certificates, it is important that your friend see's their GP
  4. It is essential to explore the true underlying reasons as to why the coursework was delayed, and why your friend has reached the stage of possibly failing this module. As a friend, you are appropriately placed to offer psycho-social support as well as sign post towards any available bereavement support services.