Session 6 – Pre-Procedure Instructions & Consent

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Level: B1 (OET Medicine)
Duration: 50 minutes
Skills: Listening + Speaking
Theme: Pre-procedure instructions & informed consent
Real-life Scenario: Doctor/nurse preparing a patient before a procedure


New Objectives

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

✅ Listen for key points in consent/pre-procedure instructions (OET Listening A/B style).

✅ Recognise and use modals of necessity (must, should, need to) in spoken communication.

✅ Paraphrase medical terms into layman’s language while speaking to patients.

✅ Practise role-play of giving instructions, checking understanding, and explaining risks.

Reviewed Objectives

✅ Symptom description (S1).

✅ Giving advice with modals/imperatives (S2).

✅ Explaining medical terms in simple English (S3).

✅ Note-taking and clarity (S4).

✅ Empathetic communication & signposting (S5).

WordSimple definitionExample (doctor → patient)
consentagreement before a procedure“I need your consent before we start.”
sedationmedicine to help relax/sleep during“You will get light sedation so you feel calm.”
fastingnot eating or drinking for some time“You must fast for 6 hours before the test.”
anaesthesiamedicine to block pain or make you sleep“The anaesthesia will stop you from feeling pain.”
complicationunexpected medical problem“Bleeding is a possible complication, but it’s rare.”
riskchance of harm“There is a small risk of infection.”
recoverytime to heal after treatment“Recovery usually takes a few days.”
preparationsteps to get ready“Preparation includes not eating after midnight.”
restrictiona limit on activity“There will be movement restrictions after surgery.”
sterilecompletely clean and germ-free“We use sterile equipment to avoid infection.”

Recap:

Before surgery, what instructions do patients usually get?

Read this consent form. What happens if a patient doesn’t follow instructions?

Listening Model (from OET Part A sample – post-op consultation).

Listen to the audio of a doctor explaining procedures and giving instructions, and answer these questions:

  • In which parts did the doctor use signposting?
  • In which parts did the doctor use paraphrasing?
  • What are the 4 main points that the doctor discussed?

Listen again and fill in the blanks

Preparation

  • Patient must follow (1) ________ for at least 6 hours before the procedure.
  • Means: no (2) ________ or (3) ________ after midnight (if morning appointment).

Sedation

  • Patient will receive (4) ________ to feel calm and sleepy.
  • Must not (5) ________ afterwards.
  • Needs a (6) ________ or friend to take her home.

Risks/Complications

  • Small risk of (7) ________ or (8) ________.
  • These are (9) ________, but explained for patient’s awareness.

Recovery

  • Recovery is usually (10) ________.
  • Patient should (11) ________ at home and avoid (12) ________ activities.
  • A (13) ________ will include follow-up instructions.
  • Phone number given if patient has (14) ________.

Summary

  • Must fast, will have light sedation, small risk of complications, recovery normally quick.

Answers

Suggested answers:

  1. fasting
  2. food
  3. drinks
  4. light sedation
  5. drive
  6. family member
  7. bleeding
  8. infection
  9. uncommon
  10. quick
  11. rest
  12. heavy
  13. care plan
  14. concerns

    Paraphrase the following sentences using layman’s language:

    • One important point is fasting.
    • You will receive light sedation.
    • There might be some complications.
    • Recovery is usually quick

    Doctor’s Role Card

    Setting: Outpatient clinic
    Patient: Coming for an endoscopy procedure with sedation

    Your tasks:

    • ✅ Obtain consent by explaining clearly what will happen.
    • ✅ Explain preparation: patient must follow fasting rules (no food/drink for 6 hrs).
    • ✅ Explain sedation: light medicine to relax, can’t drive after.
    • ✅ Mention possible risk/complication (small chance of bleeding or infection).
    • ✅ Reassure about recovery: usually quick, patient should rest at home.
    • ✅ Give care plan: follow-up instructions and phone number to call.
    • ✅ Use modals (must, should, may) and at least 5 glossary words (consent, fasting, sedation, risk, recovery, care plan, sterile, etc.).
    • ✅ Check understanding, invite questions, and paraphrase medical terms.

    Can-do Checklist

    ✅ Did you check patient understanding?

    ✅ Did you use modals correctly?

    ✅ Did you explain glossary words in patient-friendly English?

    📤 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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