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Mrs Patel, 58, was started on a tablet for high blood pressure three months ago. At a check-up, she says she stopped taking it six weeks ago. You are a medical student asked to find out why. (She stopped because she feels well, heard from a friend that the tablets damage your kidneys, and would prefer to try diet and exercise.) 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
Patient-centred communication: exploring ideas, concerns and expectations; respecting autonomy; sharing information and reaching a shared plan.
A structure to build your own answer on — not a script.
Open non-judgementally
'Can you tell me a bit about how things have been with the tablets?'
Ideas
Why she thinks she doesn't need them.
Concerns
The kidney worry and any side effects.
Expectations
Her preference for lifestyle changes.
Share information
High blood pressure is often symptomless; honest, balanced information about benefits and risks; lifestyle is a valuable part of treatment.
Shared plan
Options, respect her decision, arrange follow-up with the doctor; don't prescribe or give specific medical advice as a student.
A strong but not perfect answer. Read the notes to see why it works — then make your own version with your experiences.
"Hello Mrs Patel, I'm Tom, a medical student. The doctor mentioned you'd stopped your blood pressure tablets a while ago. I'm not here to tell you off1 — I'd just like to understand how things have been. Could you tell me a bit about it?"
Mrs Patel: 'I just feel fine, so I didn't see the point.'
"That makes sense — why take a tablet if you feel well? Was there anything else2 that made you decide to stop?"
Mrs Patel: 'My friend said they damage your kidneys.'
"That sounds like it's been worrying you. Is there anything else you're concerned about? … And what would you like to happen with your blood pressure?"
Mrs Patel: 'I'd rather try diet and walking.'
"Thank you, that's really helpful. Can I share a couple of things? High blood pressure usually doesn't cause any symptoms, which is why it's sometimes called silent — but over years it can strain the heart, kidneys and blood vessels, which is why doctors treat it even when people feel fine."
"On the kidney worry — I'm a student, so the doctor would be the best person3 to explain the details for your particular tablet. What I do know is that untreated high blood pressure is itself one of the common causes of kidney damage, and doctors usually do blood tests to check kidney function while people are on these tablets."
"Diet and exercise are a really good idea and can lower blood pressure —
Real interviews are won and lost here. Answer each one aloud.
Agrees. "Great. I'll let the doctor know what we've discussed."