4.1. Reading for detail
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
- Recognize and use key phrases for greeting patients, team communication, and providing instructions.
- Read for detail to extract important information about patient concerns, instructions, and follow-up actions.
- Summarize and role-play healthcare scenarios to practice communication skills.
- Reflect on their learning and ask questions to improve reading comprehension skills.
- Identify key participants and purposes in written healthcare texts.
- Communicate clearly in role-play scenarios involving patient instructions and team communication.
Part 1: Brainstorming Key Phrases
In pairs, brainstorm 2–3 phrases or words for each category below. Write your ideas in the table.
One example for each category is provided to help you get started.
| Category | Phrases or Words |
|---|---|
| Greeting Patients | Example: “Hi, how can I help you today?” |
| _____________________________________ | |
| _____________________________________ | |
| Team Communication | Example: “Chart notes” |
| _____________________________________ | |
| _____________________________________ | |
| _____________________________________ | |
| Patient Instructions | Example: “Take this medication twice daily.” |
| ____________________________________ | |
| ____________________________________ |
Be prepared to share your phrases with the class.
Part 2: Exploring Sample Texts
Read the Sample Patient Interaction Script below and quickly answer the following:
- Who are the main participants?
- What is the purpose of this text?
Sample Patient Interaction Script
Participants: CMA: Sarah (Certified Medical Assistant) Patient: John Smith
[Scene: Virtual consultation via telehealth platform]
| Role | Description |
|---|---|
| CMA (Sarah): | Hello, John! Thank you for joining the video call today. How are you feeling? |
| Patient (John): | Hi, Sarah. I’ve been feeling okay, but I still have a bit of a headache and some nausea. |
| CMA (Sarah): | I’m sorry to hear that. Let’s go over your medication to see if there’s anything we can adjust. Can you remind me what medications you’re currently taking? |
| Patient (John): | I’m taking ibuprofen for the headache and some medication for my nausea, but I can’t remember the name. |
| CMA (Sarah): | No problem, let me check your records. It looks like you’re taking ondansetron for nausea. Are you taking it as prescribed? |
| Patient (John): | I think so. I take it before meals, but I sometimes forget to take it. |
| CMA (Sarah): | It’s important to take it regularly to help manage your symptoms. I recommend setting a daily reminder on your phone to help you remember. Also, make sure to take the ondansetron 30 minutes before meals for the best effect. |
| Patient (John): | Got it! I’ll set a reminder. What about the ibuprofen? |
| CMA (Sarah): | For ibuprofen, you should take one tablet every six to eight hours as needed for your headache. Please do not exceed the maximum dosage of 1,200 milligrams in a 24-hour period. Have you noticed any side effects, like stomach pain? |
| Patient (John): | No, I haven’t had any stomach pain, but sometimes it doesn’t seem to help much. |
| CMA (Sarah): | If the ibuprofen isn’t effective, we might need to discuss other options in your next appointment. For now, continue taking it as directed, and let us know if the headaches persist or worsen. Do you have any other questions about your medications? |
| Patient (John): | No, I think that covers it. Thank you! |
| CMA (Sarah): | You’re welcome, John! Remember to keep track of your symptoms and medication. If you experience any new side effects or if your symptoms don’t improve, please call our office. We’re here to help you. Have a great day! |
| Patient (John): | Thanks, Sarah! You too! |
Part 3: Reading a Memo
Read the Memo to the Nurse below, and quickly answer the following:
- Who are the main participants?
- What is the purpose of this text?
- Class Discussion: What do you expect to learn from reading these texts in detail?
Sample Memo to the Nurse
To: Nurse Lisa Johnson
From: CMA Sarah Thompson
Date: April 24, 2025
Subject: Patient Follow-Up – John Smith
Dear Nurse Johnson,
I am writing to provide you with an update on our patient, John Smith, who had a telehealth appointment today regarding his ongoing headaches and nausea.
Patient Information:
Patient Name: John Smith
Date of Birth: January 15, 1985
Patient ID: 123456
Visit Summary:
Main Concerns: John reported persistent headaches lasting three days and occasional nausea.
Medications Discussed: He is currently taking ibuprofen and ondansetron.
Dosage Instructions:
- Ibuprofen: 1 tablet every 6-8 hours as needed (maximum 1,200 mg in 24 hours).
- Ondansetron: 1 tablet 30 minutes before meals.
Assessment: John did not report any side effects from the medications. He expressed concerns about the ibuprofen’s effectiveness in relieving his headaches. I advised him to monitor his symptoms and set reminders for his medication.
Follow-Up Actions:
- Please schedule a follow-up appointment for John in one week to reassess his symptoms and medication effectiveness.
- Consider discussing alternative pain management options if his headaches persist.
Additional Notes: John is encouraged to contact the office if he experiences any new symptoms or side effects.
I will continue to monitor his progress and keep you updated on any changes.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. Please let me know if you need any further information.
Best regards,
Sarah Thompson
Certified Medical Assistant
[Your Clinic Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Part 4: Post-Reading Activities
Quiz: Complete the short quiz based on the two texts. Circle the correct answer or mark True/False.
Review your answers as a class.
Summarizing Key Details
Write a 2–3 sentence summary of one of the texts from today’s lesson. Include key details about the participants, the main issue, and any follow-up actions.
Example Template for Summary:
“The patient interaction was between a CMA and a patient who reported [main concern]. The CMA provided [key instructions] and recommended [follow-up action].”
Part 5: Wrap-Up and Reflection
Write down your responses to the following:
- One new vocabulary word or phrase you learned today: ___________________________________________
- One detail from the texts you found important: __________________________________________________
- One question you still have about reading comprehension or patient interactions: _______________________
Be prepared to share your reflection with the class.
