MMI Role Play Questions & Scenarios

1. You are a junior doctor on the ward. A patient has been diagnosed with early-stage cancer and needs urgent chemotherapy, but they are refusing treatment because they want to try alternative medicine first. The actor is the patient. You have 5 minutes to discuss this with them.

Approach: I would begin by listening without judgment, exploring what’s driving their preference for alternative medicine. Rather than dismissing it immediately, I’d ask open questions: “Can you tell me what appeals to you about this approach?” This shows respect for their autonomy.

I would then provide clear, factual information about the evidence for chemotherapy in their specific cancer type, including survival rates and side effects. I would acknowledge their concerns about conventional treatment while being honest about the evidence gap for alternative medicine. I would not be preachy or condescending.

Crucially, I would involve senior colleagues — an oncologist or specialist nurse who can spend more time exploring this and ensure the patient has all the information they need. I would emphasise that I’m not trying to override their choice, but that I have a responsibility to ensure they’re making an informed decision. If they persist in refusing, I would respect that while ensuring they understand the implications. The goal is collaboration, not coercion.

2. You are a paramedic who has just arrived at a house where a elderly man has fallen. His adult daughter is present and is extremely angry, demanding to know why it took so long for the ambulance to arrive. She’s shouting and blaming you for any delay in care. The actor is the daughter. You have 5 minutes to manage this situation.

Approach: I would acknowledge her distress without becoming defensive: “I can see you’re very worried about your father, and that’s completely understandable.” I wouldn’t make excuses or justify response times in the moment — that’s not what she needs to hear.

My priority is her father’s care, so I would assess him quickly and explain what I’m doing: “I’m checking his blood pressure and looking for any injuries. Has he been conscious the whole time?” This redirects attention to what matters — his wellbeing — while keeping her informed.

I would then address her concerns: “I understand you’re upset about the response time. I can give you information about how to access a formal response time complaint after we’ve got your dad to hospital. Right now, I want to focus on making sure he gets the care he needs.” This validates her concern while maintaining focus on the patient.

Throughout, I would speak calmly, make eye contact, and avoid getting drawn into an argument. Anger from relatives is often fear in disguise, and responding with professionalism and humanity usually de-escalates the situation.

3. You are a GP and one of your patients is a parent from your child’s school. They’ve come to you with symptoms that suggest they have depression and are asking for a sick note to avoid work, but they’re also asking you not to record this in their medical notes because they’re worried their employer will find out. The actor is the patient. You have 5 minutes to discuss this.

Approach: I would be empathetic about their situation — workplace stigma around mental health is real and understandable. However, I would explain gently but clearly that I cannot separate the sick note from their medical record: “I understand you’re concerned about confidentiality, and I take that seriously. But a sick note is part of your medical record, and I have to keep accurate records of the care I provide.”

I would explore their specific concerns: “What exactly are you worried will happen if your employer knows?” Often, the fear is worse than the reality, and I might be able to provide reassurance about employment rights and confidentiality protections.

If they still refuse, I would explain that I cannot issue a sick note without recording the reason in their notes — that would be dishonest documentation. However, I could help them access other support: occupational health services, counselling through their employer’s EAP, or other routes that might feel safer.

I would reassure them about confidentiality: “Your information is protected under data protection law. Your employer will only know what they need to know to process your sick leave.” This balances honesty about my obligations with genuine concern for their privacy.

4. You are a medical student on placement. A consultant you’re working with has made several patients wait unnecessarily because they arrived 10 minutes late to clinic, and they’ve been dismissive when patients asked questions. You’ve been asked by your educational supervisor to give feedback on the placement. The actor is the educational supervisor. You have 5 minutes to discuss this.

Approach: I would be factual and specific, avoiding accusations: “I observed a few situations that concerned me from a patient care perspective.” I would give concrete examples: “On Tuesday, a patient waited an extra 30 minutes because the consultant delayed starting clinic by 10 minutes without explanation. On Wednesday, when a patient asked about side effects, they were told ‘if you don’t like it, go elsewhere.'”

I would frame this around patient experience and professionalism rather than personal criticism: “I’m concerned because these interactions might affect patients’ willingness to engage with treatment or ask important questions.” This shows I’m thinking about patient outcomes, not just complaining about a colleague.

I would then ask for guidance: “What’s the best way to handle this? Should I say something to the consultant directly, or is there another process?” This shows I want to address the issue constructively, not just report problems.

I would be clear that I’m raising this because of my responsibility to patients and the profession, not because of any personal conflict. I would also be open to the possibility that I’ve misunderstood the context — perhaps the consultant was having an exceptionally difficult day.

5. You are a nurse on a busy ward. A patient who is clearly suffering from a viral infection (runny nose, sore throat) is demanding antibiotics. They’re becoming increasingly frustrated, saying “I paid my taxes for this NHS treatment and I deserve antibiotics.” The actor is the patient. You have 5 minutes to respond.

Approach: I would validate their frustration: “I understand you feel awful and want to feel better quickly.” However, I would be clear but kind about why antibiotics won’t help: “Antibiotics work against bacteria, but your symptoms sound like a viral infection. Antibiotics won’t shorten a cold or sore throat, and taking them when you don’t need them can actually cause problems.”

I would offer what I can do: “What I can help with is managing your symptoms so you feel more comfortable. Paracetamol or ibuprofen can help with pain and fever, and staying hydrated really does speed recovery.” This shows I’m taking their discomfort seriously even if I can’t prescribe what they’re asking for.

If they persist, I would involve the GP or doctor if available, but I would stand firm on the clinical reasoning: “I know this isn’t what you wanted to hear, but giving antibiotics unnecessarily doesn’t actually help you — it can lead to side effects and, over time, can make antibiotics less effective for everyone.”

I would avoid being defensive or dismissive. Explaining the evidence calmly and offering genuine alternatives usually diffuses the situation. If they remain angry, I would acknowledge that: “I can see you’re disappointed, and I’m sorry I can’t give you what you’re asking for, but this is what the evidence supports.”