Session 3 – Explaining Medical Tests and Communication

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Level: B1 (OET Medicine)
Duration: 50 minutes
Skills: Listening + Speaking
Theme: Explaining diagnostic tests/results – ultrasound
Real-life Scenario: Doctor explains test results (ultrasound, blood tests) to a patient, using patient-friendly language and reassurance.

Objectives (new)

By the end of this session, you will be able to:

  • ✅Identify key details from patient consultations about diagnostic tests (Listening).
  • ✅Paraphrase medical terms into patient-friendly language (Speaking).
  • ✅Use signposting and reassurance when explaining results to patients.
  • ✅Answer patient questions clearly and empathetically.

ConceptDefinitionExampleTranslation
yearA period of twelve months.I am 40 years old.سنة
ultrasounda test using sound waves to see inside the bodyThe ultrasound showed that the swelling is not serious.موجات فوق صوتية
streeta public road in a city or townI live on KG 7 Street.شارع
specialistdoctor with extra training in one areaYou’ll see a heart specialist for this condition.أخصائي
signposting phrasewords doctors use to explain information clearly and guide patientsFirst, let me explain what the test showed …عبارات إرشادية
referralsending a patient to another doctorI’ll give you a referral to a specialist for more tests.تحويل
oldHaving lived for a certain number of years.I am 35 years old.قديم
nationalityThe country where a person comes from.What is your nationality? I am from the UK.جنسية
malignantcancerous, dangerous growthThe test showed the tumour is malignant, so we’ll treat it quickly.خبيث
jobThe work a person does to earn money.What is your job? I am a manager.وظيفة
inflammationswelling and redness in the bodyThe joint pain is from inflammation, but it’s not dangerous.التهاب
engagedhaving agreed to marry someoneI’m engaged.مخطوب
citya large town where many people liveI live in Kigali City.مدينة
cholesterolfat in the blood that can block vesselsYour cholesterol is a bit high, so we’ll talk about diet.كوليسترول
blood counttest that checks the number of cells in bloodWe did a blood count to see if you have an infection.تعداد دم
benignnot dangerous, not cancerThe lump is benign, so there’s no need to worry.حميد
abnormalnot normalThe scan found something abnormal in the stomach.غير طبيعي
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Recap Session 1 and 2:

  • How can you give advice to patients.
  • How can you describe the severity and frequency of a symptom?

Have you ever had a medical test explained to you? How did you feel about it?

What do you think a doctor might say to a patient about this test?
fake_blood_test_anemia

Listening Input – listen for test references

You hear a general practitioner talking
to a patient called Mrs. Lewis who has
recently undergone an ultrasound and
some blood tests. For questions 1
through 12, complete the notes with a
word or short phrase that you hear.
Good morning, Mrs. Lewis. Let’s go over
the results of the tests you had last
week.
Yes, doctor. I’ve been worried about
what they might show.
First, let me explain what the test
showed. The ultrasound found a small
abnormal lump in your lower abdomen. The
good news is that it is benign, not
malignant. So, it’s not cancer, and it’s
not dangerous.
That’s a relief.
What this means for you is that we’ll
monitor it closely, but there’s no
immediate need for surgery. I’ll give
you a referral to a specialist just so
we can double check and be absolutely
sure.
Okay. Thank you. We also did a blood
count and a cholesterol test. The blood
count was normal, but your cholesterol
is higher than it should be. Having high
cholesterol can lead to severe heart
disease. Combined with your sedentary
lifestyle and family history, it
increases the chance of problems later
on.
I see. Is that serious?
Not right now, but it’s important to act
early. I recommend reviewing your
dietary intake. For example, try
reducing portion sizes of fatty foods
and increasing your hydration. You
should do moderate exercise such as a
30inut walk every day. This will reduce
stiffness in your joints and lower
inflammation.
I think I can manage that.
Excellent. You should also avoid smoking
if you do, and you can try cutting down
on alcohol consumption. These changes
along with the referral will help keep
everything under control.
Thank you for explaining it so clearly.
You’re welcome. The good news is that
nothing here is life-threatening. And
with some small lifestyle changes, you
can improve your health significantly.
We’ll meet again after the specialist

Paraphrasing

  • “Your cholesterol levels are high” → “There is too much fat in your blood.”
  • “The inflammation is benign” → “It’s not dangerous, just some swelling.”

Signposting phrases

  • “First, let me explain what the test showed …”
  • “What this means for you is that …”
  • “The good news is that …”

Listening task: Patient: Mrs Lewis

Test Results
• Ultrasound showed a small (1) ______ lump
• Doctor reassures it is (2) ______, not malignant
• Doctor provides a (3) ______ to confirm with a specialist

Blood Tests
• (4) ______ test normal
• (5) ______ test high
• High cholesterol can (6) ______ heart disease

Lifestyle Factors
• Patient has a (7) ______ lifestyle
• Family history adds to the (8) ______

Advice Given
• Review (9) ______ intake and reduce portion sizes
• Increase (10) ______ and do moderate exercise
• Exercise helps reduce (11) ______ in joints and lower inflammation
• Doctor also advises cutting down on (12) ______ consumption

Answers
  1. abnormal
  2. benign
  3. referral
  4. blood count
  5. cholesterol
  6. lead to (severe)
  7. sedentary lifestyle
  8. chance of problems
  9. dietary
  10. hydration
  11. stiffness
  12. alcohol

Speaking role-play (with prompts):

  • Explain ultrasound results to a patient
    • First, let me explain …
    • The ultrasound showed …
    • The good news is that …
    • What that means for you is that …
    • The blood test showed that …
  • Respond to the questions:
    • Is it dangerous?
    • Do I need surgery?

Quick Checklist – Did you:

  • ✅ Use paraphrasing terms
  • ✅ Reassure the patient
  • ✅ Use new glossary words

Explain the test result

You should:
✅Explain in patient-friendly words.
✅Use at least one signposting phrase.
✅Reassure the patient.

fake_blood_test_anemia

Can-do Checklist

✅Correct paraphrasing
✅Reassurance + empathy
✅Clear structure with signposting

📤 Create your own lifestyle questionnaire and ask friends to answer it.

🎥 Write a patient advice note with recommendations for each friend.

Record a shadow reading of the video in the (Instruct and Model) section.

Record your answer to the question in the (Independent Practice) section.

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