Advanced Motivational Interviewing

Mini role play

Tracy S in “Fat suit”, playing patient.

Tracy M as GP.

Tracy S comes into surgery and is coming to complain of persistant tiredness. She is a regular patient and find it difficult to sleep at night.

TM: What can do for you today Mrs Sutton?

TS: Well I just want you to help me to get to sleep at night. I’m really struggling and it’s difficult to get going with the kids in the morning. By lunch time I want to go to sleep, sometimes I do nod off but then I can’t sleep at night, my mind is going round and round, worrying about EVERYTHING. Is there something you can give me to get to sleep?

TM: Did you manage to get that extra exercise I asked you to get last time you were in? Because that would really help you know…….

TS: Well I did try but it’s been so hot of late, not that, that’s helped me sleeping at night of course. I really do want to get fitter but I’m not sure that’s what’s stopping me sleeping………

TM: Well we need to look at that a bit more though and giving you some treatment to get to sleep short-term might not be the best thing to do. Have you ever thought that part of the problem is your weight?

TS: Well I’m always worrying about my weight. I’ve been on that many diets over the years, I’m sick of it. Some of them work for a while but then you know how it is the weight just piles back on.

TM: Do you think we could just check your weight today and see if we can get some extra help for you?

TS: Aye ok go on then, just let me get my shoes off

TM: Ok let’s just have a look at that. Right that makes you BMI 40. Okay, I think we need to look at getting you some expert help. I’m going to get in touch with the dietitian and see what she can do for you

TS: Oh I’ve been to see the dietitian before and it really didn’t do me much good

TM: Well shall we just have another go and see how it works this time?

TS: If you think that’s for the best?

TM: Well, I’ll get that organized for you...