Joel Plymouth
Age: 28 years old male
Patient
Patient's Story (Role player’s brief)
Patient’s Story
You are Joel Plymouth, a 28-year-old male serving in the Royal Navy as an accounts officer. You have booked a telephone appointment with the GP because you are struggling to sleep and need help.
Opening statement: “Hi doctor, I just can’t sleep anymore. It’s getting unbearable. Can I have a sleeping tablet, please?”
IF ASKED TO EXPLAIN FURTHER:
You returned from active duty in Afghanistan around 4 months ago, where your best friend was killed in combat. Since then, you’ve been experiencing increasing psychological distress.
You are having severe sleep difficulties, particularly over the last 2 months. You struggle to fall asleep and wake frequently with intense nightmares and flashbacks related to your experiences during the war. These symptoms are affecting your ability to function both at work and in your personal life.
ONLY SAY BELOW IF ASKED:
You feel constantly on edge, hypervigilant, and emotionally numb. You find it difficult to connect with others, particularly your girlfriend, and feel guilty for not being able to love her the way you used to. Your mood has been low because of everything you’ve been experiencing.
Due to your deteriorating mental state, you have voluntarily handed in your gun, as you don’t feel mentally fit to handle it. However, you do not have any suicidal thoughts.
Social History: You do not smoke, do not drink alcohol, and do not use recreational drugs. You drive regularly but do not experience drowsiness while driving. You live with your girlfriend who is supportive
Ideas: You suspect these issues are related to your time in the war
Concerns: You feel distraught and are not able to perform your duties in the Royal Navy due to lack of sleep and low mood.
Expectations: You’re hoping the GP can prescribe sleeping tablets to help you rest.
Say NO to any other questions asked outside of the details already provided in the scenario. Accept anything offered to you by the doctor.