Phrases for OET speaking: Communication criteria B, Incorporating the Patient's Perspective

Summary

Anna, a doctor and English teacher, explains how to demonstrate understanding and incorporating the patient’s perspective in the OET Speaking communication criteria. The focus is on recognizing and responding to a patient’s ideas, concerns, and expectations.

She recommends using a flexible bank of phrases rather than memorizing scripts. Candidates do not need to demonstrate every skill listed in the criteria; they should choose approaches that fit the role-play and use them appropriately. Preparation should be based on official OET assessment materials, including the free Glossary of Speaking Assessment Criteria.

1. Explore the patient’s ideas

Find out what the patient already thinks about their symptoms, diagnosis, or possible treatment.

• To ask about possible causes: “Do you have any suggestions as to what might be causing these symptoms?”

• To check their understanding of a diagnosis: “Do you have any thoughts on what this diagnosis means?”

• To explore their view of a treatment option: “Some people find physical therapy exercises helpful for this problem. What do you think about this?”

These questions help the clinician understand the patient’s perspective and whether further explanation or alternative options may be needed.

2. Explore the patient’s concerns

Ask what is troubling the patient rather than assuming what matters most to them.

• “Is there anything specific that bothers you about these symptoms?”
• “Is there anything specific that bothers you about that diagnosis?”
• “What worries you the most?”

The last question can be especially useful when a patient has several concerns and needs help identifying the most important one.

3. Ask about expectations collaboratively

Avoid blunt or confrontational questions such as:

• “What do you expect from me regarding your problem?”
• “What do you want me to do?”

These may sound rude, arrogant, or unwilling to help. Instead, use wording that invites collaboration:

• “What would you like to focus on during this visit or consultation?”
• “Is there anything specific you were hoping for as a result of our meeting today?”

4. Show that you have heard the patient

Listening matters, but in an OET role-play, candidates need to make that listening visible through their responses.

• “You mentioned feeling tired. Can you tell me more about this?”
• “You mentioned earlier that you have trouble falling asleep. Would you like me to suggest some options?”

Such phrases acknowledge what the patient has said and help move the consultation toward an explanation or plan.

For emotional patients, Anna suggests explicitly recognizing their feelings:

• “I can see that you are justifiably upset / irritated / disappointed.”

The word “justifiably” communicates that the clinician has noticed and accepts the emotion. Pausing afterward can give the patient room to explain more.

Another technique mentioned in the OET glossary is echoing: repeating a patient’s words to show attention and encourage them to continue.

Patient: “Life is so difficult right now.” Clinician: “Life is difficult for you right now.”

Anna notes that this technique can be effective for some people, although she does not personally find it natural to use.

5. Connect explanations and plans to what the patient has said

This is presented as the key skill linking ideas, concerns, and expectations. Refer back to the patient’s perspective when explaining a diagnosis, suggesting options, or planning investigations.

Examples include:

• Acknowledge the patient’s idea before giving a different explanation: “I understand why you think that, but really…”

• Recognize a treatment idea while offering alternatives: “You were wondering if doing X could help your problem. I would like to suggest that you consider some other options.”

• Link a concern to an investigation: “You mentioned that you are particularly concerned about X. By ordering a blood test, we will be able to know for sure.”

6. Use the patient’s perspective in the summary

A summary can refer back to the patient’s original questions or concerns and show how they were addressed.

• “Earlier you said you wanted to learn more about X after our conversation. Does it make more sense to you now?”
• Then summarize key points, such as the concern raised, the agreed testing, and the options discussed.

The overall lesson is to adapt phrases naturally to the patient and situation, and to make clear that the patient’s views have shaped the consultation.

Speakers and sources featured

• Anna — doctor and English teacher from England; presenter.
• Official OET Glossary of Speaking Assessment Criteria — referenced as the source for the communication criteria and the echoing technique.