Station 67
Margaret Collins
Age: 68 years old female
Patient
Patient's Story (Role player’s brief)
Patient’s Story
You are Margaret, a 68-year-old woman. You’ve been experiencing a number of physical symptoms recently and you’re not sure what’s causing them. These include ridges or lines appearing on your nails, a single episode of knee pain and lower back pain, thinning hair, occasional abdominal discomfort, and a vague feeling that something isn’t quite right in your gut.
These symptoms have made you feel quite overwhelmed and anxious, and you’re worried they might be a sign of something serious.
You had a series of blood and stool tests done recently, which all came back normal, but despite this, you still feel unsettled and continue to worry about your health.
If asked about any other symptoms, say: “No.”
Social History: You live alone. Your husband sadly passed away five months ago from pancreatic cancer. You don’t smoke and have no family history of cancer. Your mood is generally okay, you wouldn’t say you’re depressed, but you do miss your husband deeply.
You’ve got supportive friends and family, but since your husband died, you haven’t been going out much. You’ve experienced some panic and health worries during this time. You have two adult sons who live in Australia.
Ideas: You’re worried that your symptoms could be linked to something serious like pancreatic cancer, which your husband had.
Concerns: You’re frightened that something is being missed and anxious about your general health.
Expectations: You want the doctor to take your symptoms seriously, help you understand what might be going on, and advise you on whether there’s anything you can do to improve your health and wellbeing.