Speaking

Question 1

Greeting and introduction

Answer 1

Good morning/afternoon/evening, I’m Dr. A

Question 2

Start with an open question

Answer 2

What brings you along here today?

Question 3

Ask about location of problem

Answer 3

Can you tell me where it hurts?

Question 4

Use present perfect to ask ‘How long’

Answer 4

How long have you experienced this (pain/problem?)

Question 5

Use present perfect to FINISH one part of the consultation HINT: TRANSITION

Answer 5

So, we have (talked about your symptoms/concerns… )

Thank you for (telling me about your symptoms/concerns)

Question 6

Use ‘now let’s’ to move to a new part of the consultation

Answer 6

Now, let’s move to (NEW TOPIC / the diagnosis)

Question 7

Ask a follow up question with ‘aggravate’

Answer 7

Does anything seem to aggravate the pain?

Question 8

Ask a follow-up question with ‘relieve’

Answer 8

Does anything seem to relieve the pain?
What usually relieves your pain?

Question 9

Ask a follow-up question with ‘ever’

Answer 9

Do you ever… (verb in simple present)
Experience pain elsewhere?

Question 10

Make a sentence with ‘emphasise’

Answer 10

I want to emphasise that

• drinking coffee is likely to aggravate your symptoms

Question 11

Make a phrase with ‘there are two things’

Answer 11

There are two things I’d like to emphasize.

First, (try to get outside a little more.) Second, (reduce your coffee intake.)

Question 12

The patient says ‘I’m worried I have cancer’

Answer 12

Your concerns are quite understandable.

Question 13

Respond to ‘I’ve been getting terrible headaches’

Answer 13

I’m sorry to hear that.

May I ask you some questions about them?

Question 14

Reassure with ‘common’

Answer 14

Rest assured, this is quite common

Question 15

Make a suggestion

Answer 15

I suggest you (cut back on your coffee)
I encourage you to (cut back on your coffee)

Question 16

Invite questions

Answer 16

Do you have any questions at this point?

Question 17

Invite questions at end

Answer 17

Do you have any further questions?

Question 18

Ask how patient feels about what you said

Answer 18

How do you feel about (that/ drinking less coffee?)

Question 19

Ask a general question for input

Answer 19

How does that sound to you?

Question 20

Wrap up with ‘thanks’

Answer 20

Thanks for coming to see me

Question 21

General leave taking

Answer 21

Let’s leave it there

Question 22

Transition back - operation ..

Answer 22

We’ve discussed the future operation

Question 23

Transition forward….NEXT POINT

Answer 23

Now, let’s move to the next point

Question 24

TRANSITION BACK AND FORWARD…

Answer 24

We have discussed symptoms.

Now let’s move to treatment options

Question 25

make a sentence with ‘x explains Y’

Answer 25

This diagnosis explains the symptoms

Question 26

sentence with connected with

Answer 26

These symptoms may be connected to a problem with your liver.

Question 27

Respond to ‘My baby screams when I change their nappy’ with DO you ever…

Answer 27

Do you ever (see) blood?
Do you ever CHANGE THE NAPPY IN A COLD ROOM?

Question 28

Respond to ‘I have pain when I go to the toilet’ with ‘Do you ever/ Have you ever noticed….?’

Answer 28

*Do you mean for passing urine or a stool?/ poo?

Do you ever notice blood in your stool/poo?

Have you ever noticed blood in your stool?