OET Rx (Student Pre-Class)
Lesson 1: Communicating Test Results
Course Progress
Part 1: Lesson Objectives
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
- Understand and use key vocabulary for discussing test results.
- Practice explaining normal and abnormal findings to a patient.
- Use reassuring language to manage patient anxiety.
- Structure a consultation for delivering news effectively.
Lesson Video
Coming Soon
This video will be available for the offline course version.
Part 2: Vocabulary & Examples
The following vocabulary is essential for this lesson's topic. Study the words, their pronunciations, Persian translations, and example sentences to understand how they are used in context.
General Vocabulary
Although the initial side effects were unpleasant, you must not abandon the treatment, as it is crucial for your long-term health.
The patient's ability to understand complex information has improved, which will help in managing his condition.
Once the swelling subsides, you should be able to return to your normal activities.
I need to talk to you about your blood test results, which have just arrived from the lab.
While your blood pressure is above the ideal range, it is not yet at a level that requires medication.
It is an absolute necessity that you fast for 12 hours before this test so that we can ensure the accuracy of the results.
Since the findings are absolutely clear, we can proceed with the recommended treatment plan immediately.
It can be difficult to accept that lifestyle changes are needed, but they are vital for your future health.
If you give us consent, we can get access to your previous medical records from your former clinic.
The patient cannot recall the details of the accident, so we are relying on the paramedic's report.
A family member may accompany you to the consultation if you feel you need support.
According to this report, your cholesterol levels are high; therefore, we need to discuss dietary changes.
The patient gave a vague account of his symptoms, which made the initial diagnosis challenging.
Unless we have an accurate measurement of your daily sugar intake, it's difficult to adjust your insulin dosage correctly.
In order to achieve a better outcome, you will need to be very diligent with the prescribed exercises.
I acknowledge that you are feeling anxious, so let's go through each part of this report step-by-step.
A patient can acquire a hospital-borne infection if staff do not follow strict hygiene protocols.
The positive results from the clinical trial were reported across multiple medical journals.
We must act quickly because the test results suggest a rapidly progressing infection.
Our next course of action, which is based on these findings, involves a consultation with a specialist.
Taking an active role in monitoring your blood pressure will significantly contribute to managing your condition.
You should avoid any strenuous activity until your follow-up appointment next week.
Medical Vocabulary
Your recent liver function test shows a few abnormal readings, which, while not critical, do warrant further investigation.
We were relieved when the biopsy confirmed the growth was benign, so no further invasive procedures are required.
Because the potassium level is in a critical range, we must administer treatment immediately to prevent cardiac complications.
The key finding from your scan is a minor inflammation, which explains the symptoms you've been describing.
Although these results indicate a possible iron deficiency, we need to do a follow-up test to confirm the diagnosis.
The first test was inconclusive due to a contaminated specimen, so we will need you to provide another sample.
I'm very sorry to report that the tests show the tumor is malignant, and our next step is to discuss treatment options with an oncologist.
The good news is that your thyroid levels are all within the normal range, so we can rule out any issues there.
Since your results indicate a potential heart issue, I am making an urgent referral to a cardiologist for you.
The lab has just informed us that the blood specimen was successfully processed, and we should have the results this afternoon.
Part 3: Pre-Class Practice Tests
Reading Task:
Guideline: Communicating Test Results Effectively
Delivering test results is a critical component of patient care. According to hospital policy, all findings, whether normal or abnormal, must be communicated clearly and with empathy. For results within the normal range, provide clear reassurance. For abnormal or inconclusive findings, it's essential to provide an accurate account of what the results indicate without causing undue alarm. The next course of action, such as a referral to a specialist or further testing, should be explained. Acknowledge patient concerns and provide them with access to further information. Never abandon a patient with results they do not understand; the ultimate achievement is patient comprehension and accepted collaboration on the next steps.
Question: According to the guideline, what is the primary course of action when findings are abnormal?
Listening Task:
Scenario: You will hear a consultation between a doctor and a patient named Mr. Jones, discussing his recent blood test results.
Task: What is the main reason for the doctor's concern?
Part 4: Answer Key for Pre-Class Work
Reading Answer: b) To explain what the results show and outline the next steps.
Listening Answer: b) The patient's blood sugar levels are slightly above the normal range.
Part 5: In-Class Preparation
Be prepared to discuss the vocabulary and practice the following tasks in class.
Speaking Task: OET Role-Play Card
Setting: General Practice Clinic
Patient: A 45-year-old patient who is anxious about their recent blood test results. They have a family history of heart disease.
Task: Greet the patient, explain the findings (cholesterol is slightly elevated, but other results are normal), reassure while explaining the need for action, suggest next steps (lifestyle changes, follow-up appointment), and answer any questions the patient may have.
Writing Task:
You are the GP. Based on the speaking role-play, write a short entry into the patient's medical record (case notes). Summarize key findings, your discussion, and the agreed plan.
