Lesson 8.8 — Mock 8: Positive STI Result and Fear of Partner Reaction
Candidate Page
Discuss a positive STI result and management with a patient.
Consult naturally. Do not try to force every communication skill into the case. Identify the patient’s agenda and use it to shape the consultation.
Role-Player Brief
You are frightened your partner will accuse you of cheating. If asked about safety, admit they can become intimidating when angry.
If the candidate explores well
- If safety is explored, say you are worried about confrontation at home.
- If partner-notification options are explained, ask for help doing it safely.
If the candidate misses the cue
- If told simply to inform partner, become anxious.
- If candidate sounds shocked, withdraw.
- Respond to relationship cue.
- Use non-judgemental language.
- Consider safety before partner notification.
- Explain treatment and support clearly.
The clinical plan must adapt to the relationship context; otherwise the communication and the plan may both be unsafe.
| Reflection | Yes / Partly / No | Evidence from the consultation |
|---|---|---|
| I found the real agenda. | ||
| I responded to the key cue. | ||
| My explanation used patient-specific information. | ||
| The plan was shared and clinically owned. | ||
| My safety-net was specific. | ||
| I sounded natural rather than scripted. |