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Lily, 7, needs a blood test today. She is sitting with her mum and is tearful, saying she doesn't want a needle. You are a medical student. The nurse will take the blood; your job is to help Lily understand and feel less frightened. You have 6 minutes.
Say your answer out loud first, then jot down the key points you made. Writing it helps you spot gaps — and it's what the AI feedback reads.
0 words
Communicating with a child at her level, honesty, involving the parent, and building trust without false reassurance.
A structure to build your own answer on — not a script.
Get to her level
Sit down, introduce yourself simply, talk to Lily as well as Mum.
Find out her worry
What is she scared of? Has she had one before?
Honest, simple explanation
Why (to help the doctors find out how to make her better), what (a tiny scratch, a few seconds), who (nurse and Mum there).
Give her some control
Choices: which arm, sit on Mum's lap, look away or watch, a distraction, cream to numb if available.
Praise and reassure honestly
It's OK to be scared; you'll be brave together; sticker afterwards.
A strong but not perfect answer. Read the notes to see why it works — then make your own version with your experiences.
[Candidate sits down at Lily's height1.]
"Hi Lily, I'm Priya. I'm learning to be a doctor. Is it OK if I sit with you and your mum for a bit?"
"You look a bit worried. Can you tell me what you're worried about?"
Lily: 'I don't want the needle. It's going to hurt.'
"That's OK — lots of people feel scared about needles, even grown-ups. Can I tell you what's going to happen, so there are no surprises?"
"The doctors want to look at a tiny bit of your blood, to help them find out how to make you feel better. The nurse will put a band round your arm, and then there'll be a sharp scratch — like a quick pinch — for a few seconds. Then it's done. I'm not going to tell you it won't feel like anything2, because it might a little bit, but it's very quick."
"And you get to choose some things3. Would you like to sit on Mummy's lap? Would you like to look away, or watch? Some children like to count to ten with their mum, or blow bubbles — what would you like to do?"
Lily chooses to sit on Mum's lap and count.
"That's a brilliant plan. And Mum, it really helps if you stay calm4 and hold her in a cuddle."
"I think you're being really brave for asking questions. Shall we tell the nurse your plan?"
Real interviews are won and lost here. Answer each one aloud.