OET Speaking (DIETITICIAN -4) - Allergy

                             OET Speaking (Dietician -4)

                                            (Allergy)

Setting: Dietician Clinic

Your 28-year-old patient discovered, two years ago that she has a seafood allergy. Last week a friend served him/her  fish stock in a meal which caused anaphylactic shock, so an ambulance was was called. The patient wants more information about allergies. 

1. Find out relevant patient details (allergy history, incident last week, previous incidences, etc)

2. Give information about food allergies (overreaction of immune system, severe cases are anaphylactic: life threatening, etc)

3. Emphasise patient is unlikely to grow out of allergy (e.g., uncommon for adults: 20% chance, etc) 

4. Advise on ways to prevent re-occurrence (e.g., readding food labels carefully, strict avoidance of seafood, asking about all ingredients: sauces, stocks, condiments etc). Find any other concerns.

5. Make recommendations in case of emergency (allergy bracelet, EpiPen: epinephrine, adrenaline autoinjector, etc. )

                                       Sample Speaking

Dietician: (Introducing). Good evening. I'm Rachna, your dietician in this hospital. I understand you had a problem last week.  So, I hope you don't mind talking about it and see what we do to help you.

Inter: Yes, it's fine. 

Diet: But before that could you please tell me your name?

Inter: I'm Maria. 

Diet: Thank you Maria and old are you, if you don't mind?  

Inter: I'm 26 years old.

Diet:  Great. Now, can you please tell me how long you have known about your seafood allergy? 

Inter: I found it out two years ago. I react strongly when I eat seafood, but I don't have any other allergies.

Diet:  I'm sorry to hear that. [Repeating] so, it is seafood specifically, and no other known allergies. Can you tell me what happened  the last week?

Inter: I was at a party and ate something that had fish stock in it. I ended up in hospital. That has never happened before. It was the first time and severe reaction. 

Diet: [Empathizing]  I 'm vey sorry to hear that. 

[Explaining] What you experienced is known as  anaphylaxis - a serious allergic reaction where the immune system overreacts. It is life-threatening if not treated quickly.  It is good that you got to hospital in time.  

[ Checking understanding] Is that make sense to you?

Inter: Yes, it does.

Diet: [Bullet point] Now, I would like to explain a little about the long term picture. Now , let's go to some steps you can take to avoid future reactions.  [Explaining] . Always read food labels carefully, even for sauces and condiments. Also, ask about the ingredients when eating out, especially broths, stocks or dressing. 

[Checking understanding] Do you think that you can start doing that regularly?

Inter: Yes, I would like to know how to prevent having another severe reaction.

Diet: [Summarising] That's a good question. Avoid all seafood, double-check every ingredient, let people around you know about your allergy. [Bullet point] Let's talk about emergencies,  what to do if an emergency raises. 

[ Explaining] I recommend you wearing an allergy bracelet so the others are aware. Also you should carry an epinephrine auto injector, like an EpiPen. It can stop a reaction in its track if used immediately. 

[Checking understanding] Have you heard of an EpiPen before?

Inter: Yes. I have heard of it, but don't really know how it works. 

Diet: Well, I will explain it.

[Explaining] They are very common. An EpiPen is easy to use and I will show you how. You just hold it firmly against your thigh and press. Then, it delivers medicine that can help until help comes. [Checking emotion] How are you feeling? Do you have any further questions?

Inter: I feel better now that I have more information. 

Diet. [Reassuring] That's great to hear. You are taking all the steps, and you will be perfect with some simple adjustments.  

[Bullet point] Before we finish, let's make a quick re-cap. 

You have got a seafood allergy, and the last reaction was anaphylaxis. Now, you will avoid all seafoods check food labels and ingredients, wear an allergy bracelet, and carry an EpiPen. [Checking Understanding] Is that clear to you?

Inter: Yes, Thank you. It's all clearer now.

Diet: [Reassuring] I'm glad to hear that, Maria. You are doing everything right. 

I'm sure you will stay safe and confident moving forward.

___________ The End___________