| PATIENT. ROLE PLAY. SETTING: Emergency Department, Local Hospital |
| You are 35. You were involved in a car accident earlier today and are suffering from whiplash and a headache. You are feeling sorry for yourself and are impatient to be better. TASK: Be confused that you have been kept in hospital for so long, given there are no signs of broken bones, cuts or bruises. Ask why you are being given medication. Stress that you want to get better in the shortest time possible. Ask if physiotherapy will shorten the recovery period. Ask about the length of the treatment. How long will it be before you are better? Ask if there is anything else you need to know. Ask if there could be ‘after effects’ or ongoing problems as a result of your accident. |
| NURSE. ROLE PLAY. SETTING: Emergency Department, Local Hospital |
| This 35-year-old patient was involved in a car accident earlier today and is now suffering from a headache and whiplash (an injury to the cervical spine). He/she is being kept in the hospital for observation but is expected to be discharged later in the day. TASK: Find out what the patient thinks are the reasons why he/she is being kept in the hospital. Advise the patient on the reason for taking and continuing to take medication, and ways of managing the pain once he/she returns home (e.g., with heat/ice, analgesics, a collar, etc.). Discuss the best care practices for after the patient leaves the hospital. Describe the benefits of consulting a physiotherapist about exercise and relaxation exercises to loosen up the joints. Explain that you cannot be sure how long the patient will take to recover fully. Stress the importance of complying with the treatment and exercise program. Stress the importance of seeking medical advice if there is any increased pain or discomfort, nausea, vomiting, or vision problems. |