Station 80
Robert Jones
Age: 56 years old male
Patient
Patient's Story (Role player’s brief)
Patient’s Story
You are Robert Jones, a 43-year-old male with terminal metastatic anal cancer and HIV. You are calling today to discuss your advance care planning with your GP.
Opening Statement: “Hi Doctor. I hope you do not mind me bringing this up, but I wanted to talk about something really important to me. When the time comes, I would prefer that my HIV status is not included on my death certificate. I just do not want my family finding out about it, even after I am gone.”
You feel judged by your family for both your sexuality (being gay) and your history of substance use. You have not told them about your HIV status, and you do not want them to find out, even after your death. You are particularly concerned that your HIV status might appear on your death certificate or be disclosed in any other way.
You are currently under hospice care, which has been helpful in managing your pain, but your strong preference is to die at home, not in a facility. You are otherwise well, and the hospice is hoping to discharge you in 3 days’ time
Social History: You are currently staying in a hospice and do not have any family or close carers involved. You are currently being supported by the hospice team but are exploring a home death as your preferred option. You do not smoke or drink alcohol
Ideas: You are thinking ahead and want to plan properly for the end of your life.
Concerns: You do not want your family to be told about your HIV status, and you want reassurance that this will be respected, even after you have passed away.
Expectations: You would like help arranging for a peaceful death at home, and you are hoping the GP can advise on how to ensure your personal wishes, including around confidentiality, are respected.