MS Alcohol Standardized Patient Actor Instructions

From Clinicaltools.com

Contents 1 Preliminary Instructions 2 Case-Specific Instructions 3 Possible Prompts (Patient) 4 CAGE Results 5 Brief MAST 6 Time Allotted

Preliminary Instructions

Authenticity is very important in this situation. This is a role you are playing and as such you must respond to all questions in character.

Case-Specific Instructions

You are Cynthia Madison Stewart, a 40-year-old executive. You come to the physician's office for treatment for insomnia, as well as the resulting symtoms of headaches, fatigue, anxiety, and loss of appetite. You have been taking OTC sleep medications or drinking a glass of wine to help with the sleeplessness, depending on the day.

You have recently taken over more responsibilities at work, where you now head a branch of your company. You attend more social functions and conferences now since your promotion and must put on a good face for the company. Since your responsibilities at work have increased, you've had to cut out your weekly yoga sessions. You also have drinks after work with fellow executives or on your own at home, since it helps you unwind and relieves stress. You have never considered your drinking a problem and never drive after particularly heavy drinking sessions, having others drive you home.

Possible Prompts (Patient)

• This new position puts me under a lot of stress.
• I'm always on the go with these conferences and social functions.
• Sometimes I feel like I'm not doing a good enough job.
• I get headaches sometimes, with all the stress, and sometimes I get anxious and can't eat normally.

Patient should also be aware how to answer FAQs the doctor might pose.

CAGE Results

Have you ever felt that you should CUT DOWN on your drinking?

* I haven't really thought about it. I've always had a high tolerance for alcohol, so it's never been a problem like it is for other people.

Have people ANNOYED you by criticizing your drinking?

* I don't think so. It's one of the things my male colleagues always joke around with me about, I can drink as much as any guy. Sometimes that bothers me, but not that much.

Have you felt GUILTY about your drinking?

* Well, if I happen to get a hangover it doesn't help my concentration much, but I don't have them that often. But my fellow executives certainly make jokes about the mornings I have to stay home and recover.

Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning as an EYE OPENER to steady your nerves, get rid of a hangover or get the day started?

* Not really. Whenever we have champagne brunches, I'll drink those, but I don't need a drink to help me through the day or anything.

Brief MAST

Do you feel you are a normal drinker?

* Yeah, I'd say I was.

Do friends or relatives think you are a normal drinker?

* Well, they don't think I have issues with alcohol if that's what you're asking.

Have you ever attended a meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)?

* No! Why would I do something like that?

Have you ever lost friends or romantic partners because of drinking?

* I wouldn't lay the blame on it from alcohol. Maybe it was a contributing factor, but mostly it's probably been because of work and time constraints.

Have you ever gotten into trouble at work because of drinking?

* Are you asking me have I ever gotten busted for being drunk on the job? No!

Have you ever neglected your obligations, your family, or your wok for 2 or more days in a row because you were drinking?

* No, when I have to come in late because of a hangover it's never so bad I have to stay out for 2 days.

Have you ever had delirium tremens (DTs), severe shaking, heard voices, seen things that weren't there after heavy drinking?

* Wow, that sounds horrible. No, I can most definitely say I have never had that.

Have you ever gone to anyone for help about your drinking?

* You mean like a self-help group or something? No.

Have you ever been in a hospital because of drinking?

* Uh, no.

Have you ever been arrested for drunk driving or driving after drinking?

* If I'm that bad off I get someone to drive me.

Time Allotted

This is a brief visit to the physician's office. We will schedule for a 30 minute consultation with medical students (may be increased after preliminary testing). The consultation will occur via Google Chat.