Role Play: Disclosing a Medical Error to a Patient
MMIHardAnswer the question
Role Play: Disclosing a Medical Error to a Patient
Role-play station. You are a junior member of the care team. A patient (played by an actor) was given a dose of the wrong medication earlier today because of a labeling mix-up. They were monitored, they are now stable, and there is no expected lasting harm. The attending has asked you to be present while the patient is informed, and the patient has just been told something went wrong and turns to you and asks, 'What exactly happened to me?' Respond.
How did you balance honesty with the patient against the instinct to protect yourself and the team from blame?
What is the difference between apologizing and admitting negligence, and why does that distinction matter?
How would you respond if the patient became angry and demanded to know who was responsible?
Speak it out loud and we'll type it for you (free), or type your own notes — then mark yourself below.
- SPIKES for breaking bad news: Setting, Perception, Invitation, Knowledge, Empathy, Strategy.
- Listen → empathise → check understanding → agree a plan together. Calm voice, no jargon.
Hidden so they don't bias your answer. Score yourself first, then hit Reveal benchmark & score to compare.
Mark yourself
Score each skill against the rubric, then add a line of evidence. Scale:
Integrity
0/3Discloses the error honestly and refuses to minimize or obscure the facts
Communication
0/3Explains what happened in plain language and apologizes appropriately
Ethical Reasoning
0/3Distinguishes a sympathetic apology from a legal admission and prioritizes the patient's right to know
Professionalism
0/3Stays within the appropriate scope of a junior team member while remaining present and compassionate