Transesophageal echocardiogram (TOE) OET Role play

Asked for 12 Sep 2020  OET speaking session

PATIENT. Role play. SETTING Hospital outpatient Clinic
You are 52 years old and have been given information about the transoesophageal echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart using four small cameras going down the throat) that you are going to have next week.  Task:  •When asked, say that you have never had an echocardiogram before and are feeling quite nervous. •Ask if there is anything you should do before you have the procedure. •Say that you hope you feel okay afterwards as you are planning to go out with friends. •When asked, say that you have arranged for a friend to come with you and she’ll stay with you afterwards too. Also, mention that you don’t want to have to wait for long for the results. •Say that the information provided is clear, but you will be glad once the procedure is over.
NURSE. Role play. SETTING Hospital outpatient Clinic
You are giving a 52-year-old patient information about a transoesophageal echocardiogram (TOE) he/she is going to have next week.  TASK:  •Confirm the patient is scheduled to have a transoesophageal echocardiogram. Find out if the patient has had one before. • Explain the function of transoesophageal echocardiogram (e g. provide detailed images, check structure of heart, analyse blood flow, enable planning of surgery/treatment, etc.) • Outline pre- TOE requirements (e.g., avoid food/drink 6 hours before. etc. Describe preparation at the hospital (e.g.,anaesthetic spray, light sedation, mouth-guard etc) •Advise patient about the after-effects e.g., possible discomfort/soreness drowsiness, etc) • Outline post-procedure steps (pre-discharge: observation period; post-discharge accompanied, no driving for 24 hours, etc.). Find out if the patient has someone to support him/her post-discharge •Give information about results [scan analysed. probably 1-2 weeks, subsequent follow-up appointment with GP).

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Model role play

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🏥 OET Nurse Role Play – Hospital Outpatient Clinic

Topic: Transoesophageal Echocardiogram (TOE)

Duration: ~5 minutes
Participants: Nurse (you) & Patient (Mr John)

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👩‍⚕️ Nurse:
Okay, hi John. I’m Jo, one of the registered nurses working here in this hospital outpatient clinic. How are you this morning?

🧔‍♂️ Patient:
Hi Nurse. I’m good, thanks for asking. How are you?

👩‍⚕️ Nurse:
I’m fine, John. From your records, I understand that you are set to undergo a transoesophageal echocardiogram next week. Is that correct?

🧔‍♂️ Patient:
Yes.

👩‍⚕️ Nurse:
Okay. Before we proceed any further, I would like to collect some information for documentation purposes. Is that all right?

🧔‍♂️ Patient:
Certainly.

👩‍⚕️ Nurse:
Please tell me—have you had this procedure done before?

🧔‍♂️ Patient:
No, this is going to be my first time. Therefore, I’m quite nervous.

👩‍⚕️ Nurse:
Mr John, I totally understand your situation. But there is no need to worry. A transoesophageal echocardiogram is a simple procedure where we obtain detailed images of your heart.
We use ultrasound to get a clear picture of the heart’s structure and blood flow. With the results, we can plan any surgery or treatment if needed. Do you understand?

🧔‍♂️ Patient:
Okay, I understand. But, you know… what all things I have to do for this?

👩‍⚕️ Nurse:
Certainly, let me explain to you.
Before undergoing the procedure, please make sure you avoid food or drink at least 6 hours prior—this helps ensure accurate results.
At the hospital, we’ll give you an anaesthetic spray to help you feel comfortable and slightly sedated. You’ll also receive a mouth guard to prevent accidental biting on the equipment.
Then, a probe will be gently inserted through your mouth to take detailed ultrasound images of your heart, as I mentioned earlier. Do you understand?

🧔‍♂️ Patient:
Okay, okay. Everything is now clear.

👩‍⚕️ Nurse:
Good. After the procedure, you may feel light sedation, drowsiness, or a little discomfort in the throat.
There’s no need to worry—these symptoms are temporary and will pass on their own. Just make sure to get enough rest. Do you understand, Mr John?

🧔‍♂️ Patient:
Okay, I understand. But I’m actually planning to go out with my friends after the procedure. Can I do that?

👩‍⚕️ Nurse:
Mr John, I recommend that you avoid doing that.
After the procedure, you’ll be monitored in an observation room. Once the doctor confirms everything is fine, you can be discharged—but only if someone accompanies you.
Also, for safety reasons, we advise against driving or engaging in any strenuous activity for the next 24 hours.
So, it’s absolutely not recommended to go out with your friends that day. However, you can resume normal activities the next day. Do you understand?

🧔‍♂️ Patient:
Okay. Do you need someone to accompany me?

👩‍⚕️ Nurse:
Yes, it’s very important. Do you have someone to come with you?

🧔‍♂️ Patient:
Yes, actually. Thankfully, I’ve already spoken to one of my friends. She’ll come with me and stay with me after the procedure.

👩‍⚕️ Nurse:
Oh, that’s great to hear, Mr John.
Now, regarding your results—once the procedure is over, the scan will be analysed, and you’ll receive the results within one to two weeks.
After that, there will be a follow-up appointment with your GP. Do you understand?

🧔‍♂️ Patient:
Okay. I understand. Everything is very clear now. I just want to get it over with!

👩‍⚕️ Nurse:
I certainly understand that. But as I mentioned earlier, it’s going to be okay.
Do you have any other concerns or doubts that you’d like to ask me, Mr John?

🧔‍♂️ Patient:
No.

👩‍⚕️ Nurse:
Alright. To summarise our conversation:

• You’re scheduled to undergo a transoesophageal echocardiogram next week.
• We discussed what the procedure is, the pre-procedure fasting, the sedation and equipment involved, and what to expect during and after.
• I advised you about resting, avoiding driving or going out, and having a friend accompany you.
• You’ll receive your results within 1–2 weeks and then follow up with your GP.

Please make sure you follow these instructions carefully to avoid any complications.

🧔‍♂️ Patient:
Alright, Nurse. It was nice talking to you.

👩‍⚕️ Nurse:
I’ll see you next week then. Take care, Mr John.

🧔‍♂️ Patient:
Thank you, Nurse.

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Here’s a summary analysis based on the official OET Speaking criteria:

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✅ What You Did Well

1. Relationship Building

• You maintained politeness and empathy throughout. Lines like “I totally understand your situation” and “There is no need to worry” showed good reassurance.
• You acknowledged the patient’s nervousness and gave simple, calming explanations.

2. Information Gathering

• You appropriately asked about prior experience with the procedure and ensured consent before collecting details.

3. Information Giving

• You explained the procedure clearly and sequentially:
  • Fasting instructions (6 hours)
  • Use of anaesthetic spray and mouth guard
  • Insertion of probe and ultrasound usage
  • Post-procedure symptoms (sedation, discomfort)
  • Discharge and observation details
  • Result timing and follow-up

4. Structure and Organisation

• The conversation was logical and flowed smoothly.
• You closed by summarising the key points—an excellent move that reflects good professional practice.

5. Language Use

• Clear vocabulary and expressions suitable for a non-medical listener (e.g. “simple procedure,” “probe will be inserted,” “no need to worry”).

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🔧 Minor Recommendations

These are only for polish—your content is already very strong.

Area	Suggestion
Grammar	Consider tightening a few phrases for fluency. For example: “You just need to take proper rest” → “Just make sure you get plenty of rest.”
Hesitations	If this was timed, aim to reduce slight hesitations like “uh,” “you know,” or repeated phrasing like “do you understand.” It’s natural but can be minimised.
Pronunciation	Ensure smooth articulation of medical terms like transoesophageal echocardiogram (TOE). Practise this confidently.

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⏱️ Estimated Duration: 5 Minutes