Station 85
James Nolan
Age: 40 year old male
Patient
Patient's Story (Role player’s brief)
Patient’s Story
You are James Nolan, a 40-year-old male.
Opening Statement: Hi doctor, I do not want to take up your time, I just need some diazepam for my flight anxiety, if that is okay. I have one tablet left and I am due to run out. I have a couple of flights ahead and would need some more, please.
You are calling today because you’re due to fly back to the UK from the Netherlands tomorrow, and you’re very anxious about the flight. You have a long-standing fear of flying, and in the past, you’ve taken diazepam before flying, which helped you stay calm during the journey. This was prescribed by your previous GP.
You have one tablet left, which you’re planning to use for the flight home tomorrow. However, you also have an upcoming long-haul flight to the United States in five days, and you’re calling to request a prescription for diazepam to help manage your anxiety for that flight.
You are currently in the Netherlands for work and will be returning to the UK tomorrow.
Your fear of flying began after experiencing severe turbulence during a flight to Singapore five years ago . During any flights take-off phase, landing phase or when there is turbulence, you start to feel very panicky. Your heart races, you begin to sweat, and you often notice a tingling sensation in your lips and fingers.
You haven’t been formally diagnosed with anxiety, and you’ve never had therapy or counselling. You’ve tried breathing exercises and listening to calming music on flights, but they don’t help much.
Social History: You don’t smoke or drink, and you’re not on any regular medication. You’ve never had any problems with addiction or misusing medications. You work as an IT consultant. You’re currently abroad for a short-term work trip and live in the UK with your wife.
Ideas: You believe diazepam helps you fly safely and manage your anxiety. You consider it the only effective solution for your flight-related symptoms.
Concerns: You are worried that you will panic during the long-haul flight to the US and will be unable to cope without diazepam.
Expectations: You would like the doctor to prescribe 2–3 tablets of diazepam (5 mg) for your upcoming flight to the United States. You plan for your wife to collect the medication and bring it to the airport.
Say NO to any other questions asked outside of the details already provided in the scenario. Accept anything offered to you by the doctor.