The candidate card
Setting
Radiology/imaging department - MRI safety screening area
Candidate
You are a radiographer in the MRI department. A 79-year-old woman with mild dementia has been referred by her GP for a brain MRI to investigate memory decline. During the safety check, her son, Mr Rupert Carrington, tells you that she had a pacemaker fitted about ten years ago, but neither he nor his mother has any details of the device. The referral form did not mention a pacemaker, and the scan cannot go ahead safely today.
Task (interlocutor: relative)
- Find out what Mr Carrington knows about his mother's pacemaker (where and when it was fitted, any device card, recent checks) and how her memory has been changing
- Explain in simple terms why the scan cannot be done safely today without full details of the device
- Respond to Mr Carrington's anger and disappointment about the wasted trip
- Explain the steps needed before the scan can be rebooked (identifying the device, arranging a pacemaker check if these have lapsed, liaising with the heart device clinic)
- Agree a plan for rebooking and what he can do to help
In the test you get 3 minutes to read the card and plan, then about 5 minutes to talk. This card is original, written for this site; the interlocutor's card is not shown.
How to approach this card
- Begin by gathering what he knows about the pacemaker: where and when it was fitted, any device card, recent checks. Also ask how her memory has changed, so you show the scan matters and you are listening.
- Explain the reason in simple terms: the scan uses a strong magnet, and you need to know exactly what device she has before it is safe to proceed. Avoid technical detail and avoid blaming anyone.
- Deal with his anger before the process. Apologise for the wasted trip, acknowledge that the referral did not mention the pacemaker without blaming him or the GP, and show you share his wish to get answers.
- Set out the steps in order: identify the device, arrange a pacemaker check if these have lapsed, and liaise with the heart device clinic. Say you cannot give a date until those are done.
- Agree what he can do, such as looking for a device card or old hospital records, and who will contact him. Include his mother in the conversation as far as she is able.
Phrases to adapt
Use your own words; these show the register, not lines to memorise.
- I am sorry you have travelled here for nothing.
- Your mother's safety comes first, and I need to know what device she has.
- You did the right thing telling us about the pacemaker.
- Could you look for a device card or any hospital letters?
Medical words in plain English
| Term | How you might say it to the patient |
|---|---|
| MRI safety screening | Checks made before the scan to make sure nothing in the body is affected by the magnet. |
| Pacemaker check | A routine test of the device to make sure it is working properly. |
| Heart device clinic | The specialist clinic that looks after pacemakers and similar devices. |
How this card is marked
Two assessors mark the recording on nine criteria: intelligibility, fluency, appropriateness of language and resources of grammar and expression (each 0–6), then relationship building, understanding and incorporating the patient's perspective, providing structure, information gathering and information giving (each 0–3). Grade B usually means 5 on each language criterion and 2 on each clinical one. See the AI Speaking practice guide for what each criterion looks for.
More Radiography role-play cards
- Anxiety about entering the MRI scanner Radiology/imaging department - MRI suite
- Chest X-ray for a toddler Radiology/imaging department - general X-ray room
- Long wait before a contrast CT Radiology/imaging department - CT waiting area
All sets: nurses, doctors, other professions. Your profession's guide: OET Radiography.
Questions about this role-play
How do I answer if he asks why this was not found sooner?
Do not blame anyone. Say the referral did not list the pacemaker and that you are glad he told you before the scan. Redirect to the next steps and how you will help get the information as quickly as possible.
Can I say when the scan will be rebooked?
No, not until the device is identified and any needed checks are done. Say you will rebook once those steps are complete, and explain that you will keep him informed. Avoid guessing dates, because they depend on other services.
How do I involve his mother, who has mild dementia?
Speak to her directly, in short, clear sentences, and include her in the explanation as well as her son. Check she is comfortable with him being involved and, if she is present, ask what she remembers about the pacemaker.
Sources
Last checked 22 Oct 2026. Rules and prices change: confirm on the official page before you book or apply.
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