ADA Guideline for infection control

Candidate Information & Sample Materials

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© Copyright CAE. This work is copyright. Apart from any use permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced by any process without prior written permission from CAE. November 2004.

Contents Background

5

Sample test information

9

Subtest Reading

11

Part A

13

Part B

18

Subtest Listening

23

Part A

25

Part B

29

Subtest Writing

33

Dentists

34

Dietitians

36

Doctors

38

Nurses

40

Occupational Therapists

41

Pharmacists

43

Physiotherapists

46

Podiatrists

48

Radiographers

49

Speech Pathologists

52

Veterinarians

54

Subtest Speaking

57

Dentists

59

Dietitians

60

Doctors

61

Nurses

62

Occupational Therapists

63

Pharmacists

64

Physiotherapists

65

Podiatrists

66

Radiographers

67

Speech Pathologists

68

Veterinarians

69

Answers

71

Background What is the OET? The Occupational English Test (OET) is a language test for overseas qualified medical and health professionals whose first language is not English. It assesses English language proficiency as it is used in medical and health professions in Australia. The OET is owned and administered by CAE. CAE is responsible for the management of all assessment processes related to the delivery of the OET. The Australian Government requires that medical and health professionals from non-English speaking backgrounds wishing to study, work and/or migrate to Australia obtain a successful result in the OET. The OET is designed to ensure that those working or studying in medical or health professions have an adequate command of English to use and communicate in English with confidence in professional situations.

Which professions does the OET cover? OET covers the following: •

Chiropractors

•

Pharmacists

•

Dentists

•

Physiotherapists

•

Dietitians

•

Podiatrists

•

Doctors

•

Radiographers

•

Nurses

•

Speech Pathologists

•

Occupational Therapists

•

Veterinarians.

•

Optometrists

What does the OET assess? The OET assesses: •

Reading

•

Writing

•

Listening

•

Speaking.

There is a separate subtest for each of these skill areas. The Reading and Listening subtests are designed to assess the ability to understand written and spoken English related to health and medicine. The subtests for Reading and Listening are not specific to a health profession. The Speaking and Writing subtests are specific to each profession and are designed to assess the ability to produce English in professional contexts. The OET does not attempt to assess professional knowledge.

Reading This subtest is not specific to a profession. It takes 60 minutes. For this subtest candidates are required to read two articles about health related issues and answer questions which test comprehension of written English. The questions are multiple choice and candidates record their answers on a computer sheet.

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

5

Listening The listening subtest is not specific to a profession. The duration of the test is approximately 60 minutes. For this subtest candidates listen to an audio tape about two health related issues and answer questions which have been formulated to test comprehension of spoken English. Candidates are required to write answers in an answer booklet while the tape is being played. There are pauses in the tape to allow time to write the answers.

Writing The writing subtest is specific to each profession. Candidates are allowed 40 minutes for this subtest. An extra 5 minutes is allowed as reading time. For this subtest candidates write a letter of referral, transfer or advice based on case notes. Candidates are required to write approximately 200 words using the correct layout.

Speaking This subtest is specific to each profession. It takes approximately 20 minutes. For this subtest candidates must participate in two role plays related to their profession. All role plays are recorded on audio tape. Another person will take the role of a patient or client. More information about the subtests can be found in the sections relating to each subtest.

Test materials and conditions The development of examination materials, assessment criteria and processes are researched, developed, trialled and reviewed by qualified professional test developers who have a world-wide reputation for their work in the field of language testing and research. All test materials are confidential and the test is administered under conditions of strict security. All candidates are required to show proof of identity, with a photograph and signature check on the test day.

Where is the OET conducted? The OET is conducted in all capital cities in Australia and in some other major cities, depending on numbers enrolled in each test. Overseas the OET can be conducted in approximately 50 different locations. Venues are determined by the number of candidates.

Who assesses the OET? The Reading subtest is marked by computer at the University of New South Wales (NSW), Australia. The other subtests are assessed by qualified and experienced assessors of English who have been trained in OET assessment procedures.

6

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

How is the OET assessed? All examination material is returned to the OET Assessment Unit at CAE for assessment in the following manner: Reading: analysed by computer at the University of NSW Listening: assessed in Melbourne. A random selection of 10% of candidate responses are double marked Writing: assessed in Melbourne. All papers are double marked* Speaking: usually assessed in Melbourne. Some candidates are assessed by interlocutors/assessors at the time of the test. All candidate responses are double marked.* * A percentage of papers are triple marked

How are OET results reported? Test results for each skill area are reported on a five point scale from A to E with A being the highest score. Results are posted 5 – 6 weeks after the tests in Australia, and 6 – 8 weeks after the tests are held overseas.

Gaining feedback Candidates may request a written report against the assessment criteria for subtest results in Writing, Speaking and Listening. There is a cost for this service. Information about the costs and the Qualitative Feedback Form are available on the OET website (www.oet.com.au).

What is a satisfactory result? Candidates must receive a satisfactory result in all four subtests. Most Medical/Health Councils require candidates to achieve an ‘A’ or ‘B’ result in all four sections of the test. However, each Medical / Health Council has different requirements which may change from time to time. Candidates must check with the medical or health council relevant to their profession. CAE will provide candidates with their results on each subtest. CAE cannot provide advice on whether a Medical / Health Council will consider the results satisfactory. Candidates must liaise with the relevant professional body.

What if a satisfactory result is not obtained? Candidates can resit all of the OET or only the subtests in which they did not receive a satisfactory result. Candidates should check with their appropriate medical/health council as to what constitutes a satisfactory result.

For further and up-to-date information about OET, please check the website: www.oet.com.au

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

7

SS

Sample test information Background Sample Test Materials This kit contains the following materials: •

Sample Reading subtest with answer key

•

Sample Listening subtest with cassette tape and answer key

•

Sample Writing subtest with sample answers

•

Sample Speaking subtest material and cassette tape with two sample role plays, one for doctors and one for nurses.

Sample materials are adapted from past tests. Further sample test items can be found in the Additional Practice Materials. To purchase the Additional Practice Materials refer to the OET website . The sample test materials aim to help candidates prepare for the Occupational English Test. The format and content of the sample materials is similar to the OET that candidates will undertake.

Advice to candidates •

Work through the sample materials under test conditions to gain an understanding of the test requirements.

•

Read and follow the instructions carefully.

•

Use a pencil so that answers can be erased and the materials can be used again.

•

Finish each subtest in the time allowed. Do not stop half way through for a break.

•

Stop writing when the time has run out. Ask a friend to help you keep the time limits.

•

Check answers against the answer key or sample answers.

•

Ask a friend to assist with the Speaking subtest, and to give some comment or feedback on how well you performed.

•

Ask an English teacher for some comments or feedback on how well your writing met the task set.

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

9

Subtest

General information

Reading

Time allocation 60 minutes.

Test format and procedure In this subtest candidates must read two texts and answer approximately 20 questions. The texts are on general topics related to the medical and health professions. The texts are not specific to a profession. The questions are designed to assess understanding of the texts. The questions are in multiple choice format. For each question candidates have to choose which alternative answer is the best answer. Some questions are in the form of unfinished statements and candidates must select the best way to finish the statement. Only one alternative can be given. Answers are to be written on the computer readable answer sheet provided (see example next page) by filling in the appropriate circle with a pencil. If a mistake is made, candidates should rub out the first mark with an eraser and fill in another circle. If two answers are marked, the question will be marked wrong. Marks or smudges on the answer sheet may be mistaken for answers and may be marked wrong.

Assessment procedure This subtest is computer marked at the University of NSW.

The sample materials The sample materials consist of: •

a computer readable answer sheet (similar to example shown on the next page)

•

two texts

•

a series of questions related to the texts

•

a reading test answer key (see page 71).

Using the materials •

Allow enough time to do all the sample reading subtest in the one sitting. This will give an indication of the requirements of the actual test.

•

Set a timer or alarm clock for 60 minutes or ask someone to act as a timer.

•

Make sure a pencil and a rubber (eraser) is available.

•

Check answers against the answer key.

•

A total score of around 65% on these tests (Part A and B combined) should give you a good chance of getting a satisfactory result.

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

11

COMPUTER ANSWER SHEET

12

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

OET – SAMPLE

READING SUBTEST

Reading Subtest Time allowed : 60 minutes There are two reading passages in this test. After each passage you will find a number of questions or unfinished statements about the passage, each with four suggested answers or ways of finishing. You must choose the one which you think fits best, i.e. the best answer. For each question, 1-20, indicate on your answer sheet the letter A, B, C or D against the number of the question. Answer all questions. Marks will not be deducted for incorrect answers.

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

13

READING SUBTEST – PART A

OET – SAMPLE

PASSAGE

Latin America struggles as cholera spreads Paragraph 1

Health officials from 10 Latin American countries met in Washington DC this week to search for measures to control the growing cholera epidemic in their countries. Last week the World Health Organisation (WHO) set up a task force to combat the spread of the disease which, it predicts, could affect as many as 120 million people – a quarter of Latin America’s population. Paragraph 2

Cholera has now reached beyond the western coastal countries of Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, and Chile to the edge of Brazil. So far, the five cases reported in Brazil are thought to be Peruvians who have crossed the border at an island in the Amazon called Tabatinga. More than 163,000 cases have been reported to the WHO from Latin America. Paragraph 3

Despite the large numbers infected, the death rate has so far been relatively low. Figures from Peru show that 10 out of 158,929 cases of the disease there were 1,130 deaths – fewer than 1 per cent of those affected. The WHO says communities unprepared for cholera usually suffer a much higher death rate – up to half of those who develop the disease. Paragraph 4

This is the first widespread outbreak of cholera in the Americas for a century. “Peru has done remarkably well,” says David Bennett, coordinator for the cholera taskforce at the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) in Washington DC. Paragraph 5

Cholera is treatable when diagnosed promptly. Jim Tulloch, head of the diarrhoeal diseases program at the WHO, says Peru has for years been training its doctors to treat diarrhoeal disease and that this has helped to reduce the death toll. Paragraph 6

The cholera bacterium produces a toxin which paralyses the gut, stopping it from absorbing liquid. It kills only 20 because it dehydrates the body rapidly. Nine out of ten patients will recover simply by drinking oral rehydration

fluids – a balance of water, sugar and salt. Intravenous infusions of fluid are necessary for the one in ten who become severely dehydrated or are unable to keep liquids down. Antibiotics help to reduce the time that people suffer from diarrhoea for and also make the diarrhoea itself less infectious. Paragraph 7

No one is belittling the impact of the disease. The WHO says the epidemic is an “unfolding tragedy” worldwide, with growing numbers of cases in Benin and Zambia as well as those in Latin America. But Tulloch emphasises that the epidemic must be seen in the context of other deaths caused by diarrhoeal disease. He says that while 2,000 people have died of cholera worldwide since the end of January, in the same period 800,000 children under 5 years of age have died from diarrhoea. Paragraph 8

“The (Latin American) epidemic is much more of a disaster to the economy than to public health,” says Sandy 30 Cairncross at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Many countries have banned imports of food from Peru, despite the WHO’s advice that no large cholera outbreak has ever been traced to commercial imports. The WHO estimates that the epidemic will cost Peru $1 billion this year in losses to exports, tourism and other earnings. Paragraph 9

Officials say Peru’s poor water supply and overcrowding of the shanty towns that surround the coastal cities have helped to spread the disease. The cholera bacterium is excreted in the faeces of infected people and thrives in situations where sewage can mix with supplies of fresh water.

14

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

OET – SAMPLE

PART A – READING SUBTEST PASSAGE

Paragraph 10

Horatio Lores, senior epidemiologist at the Lima office of the PAHO, says, “We have much poverty here, no sanitation and basic conditions.” Few houses have piped water. Cairncross says that even 10 years ago people were spending a tenth of their income on water bought from street vendors. Since then real incomes have 40 declined sharply. Paragraph 11

According to the PAHO, the water and sewerage systems in Lima and Peru’s other coastal cities have not been properly repaired for years. Levels of chlorine disinfectant in the water supplies have not been checked regularly and the water pressure is not maintained for 24 hours a day, so wasted water can flow into any pipes that are cracked. Where populations have grown rapidly, water supplies have become grossly overstretched. Paragraph 12

“A traditional practice in the dry coastal plains is to use sewage to fertilise fields when water is scarce,” says Cairncross. “People even smash open sewers or pump water contaminated with raw sewage direct from rivers,” he says. “Farmers need to grow the kind of crops that have high cash yields and short growing seasons, and these are often vegetables that are eaten raw.” Paragraph 13

But while epidemiologists blame poverty and the deteriorating infrastructure for the cholera outbreak, no one 50 can explain why it should have happened suddenly. The conditions that have fuelled the disease have been worsening for years. “One assumes that cholera must have been introduced periodically during the last 20 or 30 years,” admits Bennett. However, Tulloch in Geneva, says, “The precise origin of the epidemic is irrelevant because the level of contamination in the environment now is very high.” Paragraph 14

The bacterium that causes cholera, Vibrio Cholerae, has two main forms or “biotypes”: the El Tor biotype is the cause of the current epidemic and the classical biotype was responsible for outbreaks earlier this century. The WHO says Latin America’s current epidemic is part of the seventh pandemic, or world epidemic, which began as long ago as 1961. Paragraph 15

El Tor was endemic in Indonesia before it began to spread. Probably carried by travellers, it reached Bangladesh in 1963, India a year later and the Soviet Union in the mid-1960’s. In 1970, El Tor reached West Africa, a region 60 that had been virtually free of cholera until then. The disease remains endemic in this area, where it is difficult to distinguish from other causes of diarrhoea. Children are most affected. Paragraph 16

Bennett says that El Tor spreads rapidly before it is detected, because for every one person to suffer severe diarrhoea there are eight who have no symptoms or only mild disturbance, and so do not seek medical help. In contrast, the classical biotype causes severe symptoms in half of those infected. Paragraph 17

“Malnourished people and those who are carrying many intestinal parasites may be more susceptible than healthy people,” says Cairncross. “It takes 100 billion vibrios in the gut of a healthy person to cause the disease, because large numbers are immobilised by acid in the stomach. But in someone whose gut is less acidic because of a heavy parasite burden, it takes only 1 million organisms.” Paragraph 18

The PAHO believes good surveillance and speedy reporting by countries is more cost effective than border 70 controls for halting the spread of the disease. The organisation has sent diagnostic equipment to laboratories in countries at risk and has sent some staff on training courses at the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta. Paragraph 19

The existing vaccine against cholera, which is based on killed vibrios, protects only half of those who receive it, and then only for a few months. The WHO hopes to start a trial in Brazil of an oral vaccine that contains fragments of cholera toxin as well as killed vibrios. This vaccine was tested in Bangladesh in the mid-1980’s, with partial success. OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

15

READING SUBTEST – PART A

OET – SAMPLE

QUESTIONS

Latin America struggles as cholera spreads 1

2

3

4

5

16

So far, the number of people affected by the current cholera epidemic in Latin America is: a)

about 120 million

b)

between 160,000 and 120 million

c)

between 60,000 and 160,000

d)

less than 60,000

The number of people who have died from the current epidemic in Peru is: a)

surprisingly high

b)

about 1 percent of the population

c)

surprisingly low

d)

about 50 percent of those affected

According to the article, which of the following statements about cholera is FALSE? a)

it usually kills about 50 percent of the people affected by it

b)

it has not been seen on such a large scale in that region for more than 100 years

c)

the gut of a person affected by it is unable to process liquids

d)

90 percent of those affected do not need to be treated intravenously

According to the article, Peru’s water supply… a)

is linked directly to the large number of houses

b)

has a constant pressure

c)

is chlorinated

d)

system is being overhauled

The practice of using sewage to fertilise fields… a)

is traditionally carried out throughout the country

b)

has been recently introduced

c)

has caused the current outbreak of cholera

d)

is an old solution to an old problem

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

OET – SAMPLE

PART A – READING SUBTEST QUESTIONS

6

7

8

9

10

The current cholera epidemic in Latin America… a)

began in Colombia

b)

began in Brazil

c)

is part of a world-wide epidemic

d)

is of unknown origin

El Tor… a)

is NOT the classical biotype of the cholera bacterium

b)

was most likely spread by travellers

c)

was identified in India after Bangladesh

d)

is/was all of the above

Which of the following statements about El Tor is TRUE? a)

it was the first cholera bacterium to be detected in West Africa

b)

it is not detected as easily as the old biotype

c)

it causes severe diarrhoea in all sufferers

d)

it has also appeared in isolated cases in Geneva

Which of the following is given as THE LEAST USEFUL MEASURE for keeping the disease in check? a)

increased patrols along common borders

b)

monitoring areas in which cholera has been detected

c)

efficient sharing of information

d)

an improved diet

From the article, it can be inferred that… a)

WHO is now close to finding an effective preventative vaccine for cholera

b)

people are more likely to die from diarrhoeal disease than from cholera

c)

up to a quarter of Latin America’s population could die unless trials with a new oral vaccine succeed

d)

the outbreak of cholera in any country will affect its economy as much as its public health

THAT IS THE END OF PART A TURN OVER AND COMPLETE PART B

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

17

READING SUBTEST – PART B

OET – SAMPLE

PASSAGE

Trans Fat – Does margarine really lower cholesterol? Paragraph 1

Butter, as anyone who has not been living in a cave for the past 10 years has probably heard, contains a lot of saturated fat, which increases the levels of cholesterol in the blood. Margarine, on the other hand, is made from vegetable oils, which contain cholesterol-lowering polyunsaturated fat. So switching to a diet with only vegetable fats should lower cholesterol levels, right? Paragraph 2

“Wrong,” says Margaret A. Flynn, a nutritionist at the University of Missouri. When she performed the experiment with a group of 71 faculty members – switching in both directions – she found that “basically it made no difference whether they ate margarine or butter.” The reason, according to a growing group of nutritionists, could be partially hydrogenated fats. Recent studies suggest that such fats might actually alter cholesterol levels in the blood in all the wrong ways, lowering the “good” high-density lipoprotein and 10 increasing the “bad” low-density lipoprotein. Paragraph 3

Partially hydrogenated fats are made by reacting polyunsaturated oils with hydrogen. The addition of hydrogen turns the oils solid, and some of their polyunsaturated fat is turned into trans monounsaturated fats. Monounsaturated fat is generally perceived as good, but things are not so simple. “Trans monounsaturates act in the body like saturated fats,” says Fred A. Kummerow, a food chemist at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. “Almost all naturally occurring monounsaturated fat is of the cis variety, which is more like polyunsaturated fat.” Paragraph 4

Flynn’s study is not the first to raise questions about trans fatty acids. Ten years ago a Canadian government task force noted the apparent cholesterol-raising effects of trans fats and requested margarine manufacturers to reduce the amounts – which can easily be done by altering the conditions of the hydrogenation reaction. Paragraph 5 20 Last August two Dutch researchers, Ronald P. Mensink and Martijn B. Katan, published a study in the New

England Journal of Medicine that showed eating a diet rich in trans fats increased low-density lipoprotein and decreased levels of high-density lipoprotein. In an editorial accompanying the study, Scott M. Grundy, a lipid researcher at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Centre at Dallas, wrote that the ability of trans fatty acids to increase low-density lipoprotein “in itself justifies their reduction in the diet.” Grundy called for changes in labelling regulations so that cholesterol-raising fatty acids, including trans monounsaturates, are grouped together. Paragraph 6

James I. Cleeman, coordinator of the National Cholesterol Education Program, disagrees. “To raise a red flag is premature,” he says. “Mensink’s audience is the research community – the public needs useable simplifications.” Cleeman points out that the subjects in Mensink and Katan’s study ate relatively large 30 amounts of trans fats. He believes more typical consumption levels should be investigated before any change in recommendations is warranted. Paragraph 7

Furthermore, Cleeman notes that studies like Flynn’s are hard to interpret because subjects were allowed to eat as they pleased. Flynns’s study, published this month in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, found considerable variability among subjects in their blood lipid profiles. “The only way to study the question properly is in a metabolic ward,” Cleeman says. “Trans fats are a wonderful example of an issue that’s not ready for prime time.”

18

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

OET – SAMPLE

PART B – READING SUBTEST PASSAGE

Paragraph 8

Edward A. Emken, a specialist on trans fats at the Agricultural Research Service in Peoria, Illinois, also downplays the concern but for different reasons. Although Mary G. Enig, a nutritional researcher at the University of Maryland, has estimated American adults consume 19 grams of trans fat per day, Emken thinks 40 that figure is too high. According to his calculations, eliminating trans fatty acids from the diet will for most people make only a tiny change in lipoprotein levels. “If you’re hypercholesterolemic, it could be important, but if you’re not, then it is not going to affect risk at all,” he concludes. Paragraph 9

Emken, together with Lisa C. Hudgins and Jules Hirsch, has performed a study to be published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, that finds no association between levels of trans fats in fat tissue in humans and their cholesterol profiles. To Emken, that suggests trans fats are not a major threat for most people. Paragraph 10

Nevertheless, trans fats seem destined for more limelight. “How can one defend having cholesterol and saturated and unsaturated fats listed on food labels but not allow public access to trans information when such fats behave like saturates?” asks Bruce J. Holub, a biochemist at the University of Guelph in Ontario. “At 50 the very least, one has to ask whether cholesterol-free claims should be allowed on high-trans products.” – Tim Beardsley

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

19

READING SUBTEST – PART B

OET – SAMPLE

QUESTIONS

Trans Fat – Does margarine really lower cholesterol? 11

12

13

14

15

20

M. A. Flynn’s finding is supported by the proposition that… a)

butter lowers high-density lipoprotein while margarine increases low-density lipoprotein

b)

butter contains just as much partially hydrogenated fat as margarine

c)

trans monounsaturates behave similarly to most naturally-occurring monounsaturates

d)

trans monounsaturated fat increases cholesterol level

Recent studies suggest that… a)

partially hydrogenated fats decrease high-density lipoprotein

b)

partially hydrogenated fats do not increase low-density lipoprotein

c)

both a) and b)

d)

neither a) nor b)

According to the article, a)

eating butter is not as dangerous for cholesterol levels as was previously thought

b)

cholesterol levels in humans can be noticeably reduced by cutting out animal fats

c)

eating margarine is healthier than eating butter

d)

the benefits of using only vegetable fats in the human diet are arguable

Research into trans fats… a)

has been going on for at least ten years

b)

has been going on for less than ten years

c)

has reached an advanced stage

d)

has led to popular support for relabelling of butter and margarine

As a result of Flynn’s study, a)

a Canadian government task force recommended the reduction of trans fats in margarine

b)

a Canadian government task force recommended that the conditions for the hydrogenation reaction should be changed

c)

margarine manufacturers in Canada changed their practices

d)

none of the above

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

OET – SAMPLE

PART B – READING SUBTEST QUESTIONS

16

17

18

19

20

Which of the following statements is FALSE? a)

we do not know what conclusions Flynn drew about lipoproteins

b)

Mensink and Katan came to the same conclusion about lipoprotein as Flynn

c)

Grundy’s recommendation was supported by Mensink and Katan’s findings

d)

None of the above

James I. Cleeman DOES NOT… a)

agree with Grundy’s recommendation for relabelling

b)

dispute Mensink and Katan’s research into the effects of eating trans fats

c)

want Mensink and Katan’s work discussed outside the research community

d)

want to wait any longer before warning the public

Which statement would Cleeman agree with? a)

Flynn’s study is not very valuable because she is hard to understand

b)

Trans fats should now be discussed and debated by interested members of the public

c)

Flynn’s study was not sufficiently rigorous

d)

Flynn’s subjects should have had more food of a more varied nature

It has been estimated that American adults consume 19 grams of trans fats per day. Edward Emken… a)

believes that a reduction in this figure could be achieved quite easily

b)

is not very concerned about trans fat intake levels for most people

c)

does not think that they should consume so much in trans fats

d)

thinks that people should eliminate trans fats from their diets

According to Tim Beardsley, the writer of the article, a)

Emken, in a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, has challenged other researcher’s claims

b)

the levels of trans fats tissue in humans and their cholesterol profiles are not connected

c)

the issue of trans fat is likely to receive more, rather than less, attention in the future

d)

food products should be labelled with their trans information in addition to the current information

THAT IS THE END OF THE READING TEST

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

21

Subtest

General information

Listening

Time allocation Approximately 60 minutes.

Test format and procedure Candidates are required to listen to an audio tape about two health related issues and to answer questions which test understanding of spoken English. The subtest is not specific to a profession. The Listening Subtest has two sections: •

Part A: an interview between a health professional (eg. a doctor) and a patient

•

Part B: a talk on a general topic related to health, such as a public lecture, or a talk by an expert health professional.

Candidates must complete both sections of the subtest. There are approximately 20 questions to answer. For each section, candidates will be given one minute to look at the questions before listening to the tape. Candidates will need to write a word or phrase in answer to each question. Questions are to be answered while the audio tape is being played. The tape will be played once only. There are pauses on the tape for candidates to finish writing an answer and to enable candidates to read the next question. The instructions on the tape are the same as the instructions written on the test paper.

Assessment procedure The Listening subtest is marked by qualified, experienced English assessors who have been trained in OET assessment procedures. They will decide if the answers given are close enough to be marked correct. The Listening subtest is marked in Melbourne. 10% of candidate responses (papers) are randomly selected and double marked to check assessor reliability.

The sample materials The sample materials consist of: •

an audio tape with two parts, one an interview between a health professional and a patient and the second, a general topic related to health

•

a series of questions related to the passages on the tape

•

a listening test answer key (see page 71).

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

23

Using the materials •

Make sure an audioplayer or tape recorder is available.

•

Allow enough time (60 minutes) to do all the sample listening subtest in one sitting, as in the OET.

•

Make sure writing implements are available. Some people prefer to use a pencil because they can rub out incorrect words and re-write their answer. Others find it quicker and easier to use a pen and to cross out incorrect words or phrases.

•

Check answers against the answer key. Many of the questions have several correct answers. Alternative answers are indicated by a slash “/”. Minor variations in wording are acceptable provided the key meaning has been retained.

•

A total score of around 65% on these tests (Part A and B combined) should give you a good chance of getting a satisfactory result.

24

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

OET – SAMPLE

PART A – LISTENING SUBTEST

THIS TEST IS IN TWO PARTS

Listening Test – Part A Time allowed: 24 minutes

In this part of the test, you will hear a doctor in a community health centre interviewing Mrs Gunn, a diabetic patient attending the clinic for the first time. As you listen, you must make notes about the consultation under the headings given on the answer sheet. TURN OVER and read through these headings now. You will have ONE MINUTE to do this. You must give as much information as you can under each of the headings provided. There will be pauses during the consultation for you to complete your notes under the relevant heading. There will also be a few minutes extra at the end for you to finish writing your answers. Give your answers in note form. Don’t waste time writing full sentences. Remember, you will hear the interview ONCE ONLY.

TURN OVER

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

25

LISTENING SUBTEST – PART A

OET – SAMPLE

QUESTIONS

Marker’s use only

Make notes about the consultation under the headings given below. Give as much information as you can.

The first question has been done for you.

1

2

Reason for attendance at surgery •

script for prescription drugs

•

have her arm looked at

Medical History a)

Diabetes

• • •

Item 1

•

2

b)

Vision

• •

3

Item 2

2

Circumstances of burn and work history • • • •

Item 3

2

TURN OVER

26

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

OET – SAMPLE

PART A – LISTENING SUBTEST

QUESTIONS

Marker’s use only

4

Dietary habits • • •

Item 4

4

•

5

Family history (medical) •

Item 5

2

•

6

Social relationships (including family) • •

Item 6

3

•

7

Treatment plan: i.e. proposed management of condition a)

Diabetes

• •

Item 7

3

•

b)

Vision

• •

Item 8

2

TURN OVER

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

27

LISTENING SUBTEST – PART A

OET – SAMPLE

QUESTIONS

Marker’s use only

c)

Burn

• •

Item 9

1

•

•

Item 10

2

•

8

History of arthritis (including current factors) • •

Item 11

3

•

9

Treatment plan continued a)

Arthritis

1

•

b)

Item 12

Obesity

•

Item 13

1

THAT IS THE END OF SECTION A

28

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

OET – SAMPLE

PART B – LISTENING SUBTEST QUESTIONS

Listening Test – Part B Time allowed: 28 minutes In this part of the test, you will hear a talk on the Victorian Division of the National Heart Foundation (NHF) of Australia, given by Michael Lynch. You will hear the talk ONCE ONLY, in sections. You must answer the questions in the spaces provided. There will be time during the talk for you to read each question, and to complete your answers. TURN OVER and look quickly through the paper now. You will have ONE MINUTE to do this. You may write as you listen, and you can complete your answers in the pauses between sections. Remember, you will hear the interview ONCE ONLY. Look at Question 1 now. Question 1 has been done for you.

TURN OVER

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

29

LISTENING SUBTEST – PART B

OET – SAMPLE

QUESTIONS

Marker’s use only

The speaker introduces the National Heart Foundation (NHF), an agency which aims to promote health in the community. 1

What is the agent of change discussed in this talk? •

2

nutrition

In what general way does the NHF aim to reduce premature cardiovascular disease?

Item 14

1

• 3

List TWO aspects of modern life mentioned that cause insecurity: •

Item 15

2

• 4

The work of the Education Unit of the National Heart Foundation. a)

Describe how the Education Unit delivers its message to the community.

•

Item 16

2

• b)

The speaker suggests how healthier choices can be made easier. List the three factors involved in these choices.

• •

Item 17

3

•

5

Policy in health promotion. a)

In the speaker’s opinion are the following statements about health promotion true (T) or false (F).

•

It should involve the general population in their daily life

•

It should use a single approach to the problem

•

It should concentrate on specialist medical knowledge.

T

F Item 18

1

TURN OVER

30

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

OET – SAMPLE

PART B – LISTENING SUBTEST

QUESTIONS

Marker’s use only

The speaker describes the tenets of the Ottawa Charter, produced in Canada, and how these aims are carried out. b)

In the spaces provided, complete the following summary of the aims of the Ottawa Charter:

•

To examine government policy in all areas

•

To look at places where people work and live in order to create a more healthy

•

To help individuals to become active in health promotion

•

To increase involvement of the in planning and decision-making

Item 19 •

To move the focus of health services from simply providing services to trying to make people healthier.

2

The speaker gives examples of the Education Unit’s work in Melbourne. 6

Describe two recent changes affecting health that have occurred in places of entertainment and culture in Melbourne. •

Item 20

2

•

7

The speaker describes the Primary Schools’ Nutrition Project. a)

List two problems identified by the Education Unit among primary school children?

•

Item 21

2

• b)

List one aim of this project.

•

Item 22

1

TURN OVER

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

31

LISTENING SUBTEST – PART B

OET – SAMPLE

QUESTIONS

Marker’s use only

c)

The NHF was involved in a large street festival in Melbourne. How did the NHF put its health message across in this street festival?

1

• d)

Why is it important to explain health promotion to health professionals?

Item 24

1

•

8

Item 23

Future challenges for the NHF. a)

What trend in overweight people should the NHF investigate?

• b)

How does the NHF want General Practitioners to help reduce cardiovascular disease?

• c)

By working with other health agencies, what do they hope to produce?

• d)

Why should the NHF consider helping fast food businesses to introduce healthy foods?

4

•

9

Item 25

The speaker concludes his talk. a)

What criticism does the speaker make about the way the health budget is spent?

1

• b)

Item 26

According to the speaker, what is the biggest challenge for health agencies over the next 10 years?

•

Item 27

1

THAT IS THE END OF THE LISTENING TEST YOU NOW HAVE TWO MINUTES TO CHECK YOUR ANSWERS 32

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

Subtest

General information

Writing

Time allocation 40 minutes. An extra 5 minutes is allowed as reading time.

Test format and procedure The Writing subtest is specific to each profession. This subtest requires candidates to write a letter of referral, transfer or advice based on case notes which are provided. The case notes relate to a typical situation in each profession. Candidates are required to write approximately 200 words.

Assessment procedure In the OET, the piece of writing is assessed by qualified, experienced English assessors who have been trained in OET assessment procedures. The assessment is based on the following criteria: •

overall task fulfilment

•

appropriateness of language

•

comprehension of stimulus material

•

linguistic features (grammar and cohesion)

•

presentation features (spelling, presentation, layout).

The Writing subtest papers are assessed in Melbourne. All papers are double marked.

The sample materials The sample materials consist of: •

sample writing tasks covering ten health profession areas

•

a sample answer for each task (see page 71).

Using the materials •

Allow enough time (40 minutes) to do the sample writing subtest in one sitting. This will give an indication of the requirements of the OET.

•

Set a timer or alarm clock for 40 minutes or ask someone to act as a timer.

•

Candidates should select the task relevant to their profession.

•

On completion of the letter, check your work.

•

Read the sample answer provided in this booklet to establish if the sample answer contains additional points or information.

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

33

WRITING SUBTEST – DENTISTS

OET – SAMPLE

Writing Test – Dentists Time allowed: 40 minutes Read the case notes below and complete the writing task which follows.

Patient Ms. Rosie Buck 7 Horseshoe Drive Keilor Ph: 491 2641 Born on 22.07.1950 Reason for Presenting Pain associated with front tooth. Unable to bite on the tooth. Increasing pain; pain control tablets ineffective. Dental History - Radiographs (x-rays) Previous dental experience - fillings - scale and clean (regularly) - Root canal filling - Crowns - Wisdom teeth extraction Medical History - Bad reaction to local anaesthetic (probably due to adrenaline in anaesthetic) - Allergic to penicillin - Used to smoke cigarettes (gave up 7 years ago) Family and Social History Born in Melbourne. Married. Two brothers: younger brother recently diagnosed with cancer. He has just finished chemotherapy treatment. Two children, the oldest having trouble at school. Regularly attends dental clinic for routine care. Attends with children. Examination 01.07.1992 All teeth present except wisdom teeth (18, 28, 38, 48) MOD amalgams in 17, 16, 27, 37, 36, 47, 45, 44 MO amalgam in 15, 25, 46 DO amalgam in 26, 35 Occlusal amalgam in 14 Composite resin filling in 13, 12, 11, 21, 23 Carious lesion in 16, 26, 24, 43, 11 Much supraginginal calculus on most teeth. Subginginal calculus around most teeth. Worn biting surfaces on most teeth.

34

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

DENTISTS – WRITING SUBTEST

OET – SAMPLE

Treatment Record 01.07.1995

Radiographs. Oral hygiene instruction. Treatment plan formulated.

14.07.1995

Gross scaling of teeth. Further oral hygiene instruction. Amalgam fillings 24, 26

21.07.1995

Fine scaling of teeth. Particularly subginginal calculus. Continue hygiene instruction. Amalgam filling 16. Composite resin filling 43. 2 ampoules of 2.2 ml Lignocaine.

28.07.1995

Commence root canal treatment on 11. Caries removed on 11. Temporary filling. 2.2ml Lignocaine. Prescription for Erythmonycin 250 mg.

12.08.1995

Complete root filling 11. Temporary filling. 2.2 ml Lignocaine.

19.10.1995

Post crown inserted on 11. Glass ionemes cement used. Fine scale. Reinforce oral hygiene.

15.05.1996

Routine dental examination. Scale and clean.

20.12.1996

Routine dental examination. Scale and clean. Composite resin filling 23.

05.02.1997

Presents with pain on and around post crown on 11. Radiograph taken. Probing indicates deep pocket on mesial surface of tooth 11. Tooth sensitive to pressure.

Refer to gum specialist for treatment of gum abscess around tooth 11.

Writing Task Using the information in the case notes, write a letter of referral to the specialist, Dr Perry Dontal, 10 Carpenter St, Brighton, 3186, requesting confirmation of diagnosis and treatment.

In your answer: •

Expand the relevant case notes into complete sentences.

•

Do not use note form.

•

The body of the letter should be approximately 200 words.

•

Use correct letter format.

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

35

WRITING SUBTEST – DIETITIANS

OET – SAMPLE

Writing Test – Dietitians Time allowed: 40 minutes Read the case notes below and complete the writing task which follows.

Patient History James Mann was referred by Dr Smith for advice on a low fat diet for inflammation of the gall bladder due to gallstones. Will possibly have surgery for this problem in the future.

Case Notes 25.1.97 Mr James Mann 50 years old Past Medical History Recent acute attack of cholecystitis No previous history of gallstones Social History Works on a factory line Sedentary Married No children at home Weight History Wt = 90 kg Ht = 178 cm BMI = 28 (overweight) Acceptable weight for height range 63-79 kg Subjective Information Patient happy to make changes – does not want to experience further pain. Diet History Breakfast:

Bowl of cornflakes and full cream milk Tea Morning Tea: 1 jam doughnut, tea Lunch (from canteen at work): Meat pie and tomato sauce; mashed potato or chips; mashed pumpkin; beans; cold meat; salad/vegetables; 2 slices white bread and butter; flavoured milk Afternoon tea: Tea After work: 2 cans of beer; small packet peanuts or crisps Evening meal: meat or fish or chicken (fried or grilled); potato; mixed vegetables; ice cream and fruit salad; tea Supper: None

36

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

OET – SAMPLE

DIETITANS – WRITING SUBTEST

Dietary Problems Excess fat – whole milk – fried foods – pastry – peanuts – ice cream Excess energy Education Given – Healthy eating – How to reduce fat intake to approx 50 gm – Encouraged to aim for Healthy Weight Range in order to: i) Reduce surgical risk ii) Reduce risk of developing other conditions, e.g. diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease – Encouraged to increase exercise – Review in 2 weeks

Writing Task Using the information in the case notes, write a letter to Dr J Smith, 765 Brunswick Road, Preston, 3072, informing him of your management of the patient.

In your answer: •

Expand the relevant case notes into complete sentences.

•

Do not use note form.

•

The body of the letter should be approximately 200 words.

•

Use correct letter format.

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

37

WRITING SUBTEST – DOCTORS

OET – SAMPLE

Writing Test – Doctors Time allowed: 40 minutes Read the case notes below and complete the writing task which follows.

Patient History Derek Romano is a patient in your General Practice.

20.3.97 Subjective: 46 year old insurance clerk wants “check up” smokes 1 pkt cigarettes per day high blood pressure in past no regular exercise father died aged 48 of acute myocardial infarction married, one child no medications or allergies Objective: BP 150/100 P 80 regular Overweight Ht – 170 cm Wt – 98 kg Cardiovascular and respiratory examination normal Urinalysis normal Plan: Advise re weight loss, smoking cessation Review BP in 1 month

8.4.97 Subjective: Still smoking, no increase in exercise Objective: BP 155/100 Assessment: Hypertension Plan: Commence nifedipine (calcium channel blocker) 20 mg daily Check blood glucose, serum cholesterol Cholesterol = 6.4 mmol/L

38

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

DOCTORS – WRITING SUBTEST

OET – SAMPLE

23.4.97 Subjective: Mild burning epigastric pain, radiating retrosternally. Occurs after eating and walking. Objective: BP 155/100 Abdominal and cardiovascular exam otherwise normal. Assessment: ? Gastric reflux. Non-compliance with anti-hypertensive medication. Plan: Add Mylanta 30 mls q.i.d. Increase nifedipine to 20 mg twice daily.

30.4.97 Subjective: Crushing retrosternal chest pain. Sweaty. Mild dyspnoea. Onset while walking, present for about one hour. Objective: BP 160/100 P 64 in obvious distress Few crepitations at lung bases. ECG – inferior acute myocardial infarction. Assessment: Acute myocardial infarction Plan: Oxygen given Anginine given sublingually Morphine 2.5 mg given IV stat Maxolon 10 mg given IV stat

You decide to call an ambulance and send this man to the Emergency Department, at the Royal Melbourne Hospital.

Writing Task Using the information in the case notes, write a letter of referral to the Registrar in the Emergency Department of the Royal Melbourne Hospital, Flemington Road, Parkville, 3052.

In your answer: •

Expand the relevant case notes into complete sentences.

•

Do not use note form.

•

The body of the letter should be approximately 200 words.

•

Use correct letter format.

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

39

WRITING SUBTEST – NURSES

OET – SAMPLE

Writing Test – Nurses Time allowed: 40 minutes Read the case notes below and complete the writing task which follows.

Patient History Maria Ortiz is a seven-day-old baby. Her mother has been discharged from the maternity hospital. Baby Maria Ortiz, 7 days old Social History Mother DOB Husband Occupation Other children Accommodation

Violetta Ortiz 07/08/1967 Jose, 36 years security guard (night shift) Sam, 5 years (currently not attending school) Teresa, 3 years Two-bedroom flat (rented)

Nursing Notes Normal birth Breast fed Mother anxious about coping with 3 children Baby sleepy; reluctant to feed Baby’s weight: birth – 3010 g Discharge – 3020 g Father unable to assist with children (night work) Mother very tired No car; 20-minute walk to shops Discharged from hospital 10th April, 1997

Writing Task Using the information in the case notes, write a letter of referral to the maternal and child health nurse who will provide follow-up care in this case: Ms Josie Hext, Maternal and Child Health Centre, 133 Elm Grove, Westfield, 2692. In your answer:

40

•

Expand the relevant case notes into complete sentences.

•

Do not use note form.

•

The body of the letter should be approximately 200 words.

•

Use correct letter format.

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS – WRITING SUBTEST

OET – SAMPLE

Writing Test – Occupational Therapists Time allowed: 40 minutes Read the case notes below and complete the writing task which follows.

The patient is to be discharged from the City Hospital to a rehabilitation centre today. Name: DOB: Occupation: Social:

Jillian May Jackson 23/4/59 Librarian. Unable to work for 2 years. Married. Supportive husband (bank manager) No children

Diagnosis: Past history:

8.5.97 Communication/Presentation Accommodation Physical Status

9.5.97 Difficulties with

1/52 exacerbation of Multiple Sclerosis MS for 5 years: gradual deterioration over this time

Initial Assessment Motivated. Optimistic. Speech Ataxia (Dysarthria) 2-storey house; 4 steps at front, 2 steps at back. Upstairs bathroom and toilet. Mobility: manual wheelchair Upper Limb Status: ® dominant. Mild upper limb ataxia Lower Limb Status: severe spasticity. Unable to walk.

Personal Activities of Daily Living bringing food to mouth, cutting food; all transfers (unable to stand); dressing/controlled movements; managing permanent indwelling urinary catheter; sexual activity; using telephone.

10.5.97 Domestic/community ADL Driving/Transport Recreation

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

Cooking, cleaning, laundry, shopping – husband doing these for the last 12 months? Home help required. Unable to drive. Housebound. Difficulty transferring in/out of car. Gets bored, depressed. Unable to continue previous hobbies, interests. Few social contacts.

41

WRITING SUBTEST – OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS

Support Services Other therapy Assistive Devices Currently in Use

11.5.97 Treatment

OET – SAMPLE

None previously. ? Home Help or attendant care required. Speech Therapy, Physiotherapy None on admission.

Session on Personal ADL – eating and dressing. Provided adapted cutlery, plate guard. Modification of clothing begun. Motivated but progress slow and laborious. Labile.

Patient requirements

Home Assessment. Recommendation modifications re wheelchair access. Assistive Devices. Intervention in conjunction with Physiotherapy i.e. transfers. Alternative to writing. ? Computer. Modification to telephone.

12.5.97

Continued with eating and dressing. Some assistance still required.

15.5.97

For discharge to rehab centre today. Modification of underclothes complete. Able to dress in a T-shirt independently, requires assistance with lower limb dressing. Able to feed self using weighted cutlery. Discharged with this equipment.

Writing Task Using the information in the case notes write a letter of referral to, Ms Dorothy Ross, Occupational Therapy Department, Metropolitan Rehabilitation Centre, Marks Street, Clayton, 3168. In your answer:

42

•

Expand the relevant case notes into complete sentences.

•

Do not use note form.

•

The body of the letter should be approximately 200 words.

•

Use correct letter format.

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

PHARMACISTS – WRITING SUBTEST

OET – SAMPLE

Writing Test – Pharmacists Time allowed: 40 minutes Read the case notes below and complete the writing task which follows.

Patient

Mrs Charlton, in her late 60’s, is a regular customer of yours. Her neighbour brings in a prescription for you to dispense. You recognise that the medication is for treatment of hypertension. According to your records, Mrs Charlton is not currently taking any medication and has not previously taken this or any other anti-hypertensive medication.

Prescription

Dr B Goodrich 234 High Street Crystal Creek 3111 Ph: 802 9743 Mrs V Charlton 16 White Street Crystal Creek 3111

Drug X 5 mg 30 tabs Sig: 1 mane pc

Prescribing information for drug X Actions:

Antihypertensive with a 24 hour action.

Indications for use:

As a primary measure in the treatment of mild to moderate hypertension and as an adjunct to other antihypertensive agents in the treatment of severe hypertension.

Contraindications:

Known sensitivity to the drug or others of its class. Drug X should not be used for patients with severe renal disease or complete renal shutdown or in patients with severe liver disease and/or impending hepatic coma.

Precautions:

All patients should be observed for clinical signs of fluid or electrolyte imbalance including hyponatraemia. These include thirst, dryness of the mouth, lethargy and drowsiness. With intensive or prolonged therapy it is important to guard against hypochloraemic alkalosis and hypokalaemia.

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

43

WRITING SUBTEST – PHARMACISTS

OET – SAMPLE

Adverse – Gastrointestinal: anorexia, gastric irritation, nausea, vomiting, cramping, diarrhoea, Reactions: constipation, jaundice, pancreatitis. – C.N.S.: dizziness, vertigo, paresthesias, headache, xanthopsia. – Cardiovascular: orthostatic hypotension – Haemotological: leucopenia, agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia, aplastic anaemia. – Hypersensitivity (dermatological): purpura, photosensitivity, rash, urticaria, vasculitis. – Other: hyperglycaemia, glucosuria, hyperuricemia, muscle spasm, weakness, restlessness. – Impotence has been observed with some drugs in the group when used in high doses. Interaction: The following have been reported: – Alcohol & barbiturates: orthostatic hypotension may occur or be aggravated; – Digitalis: increase digitalis toxicity; – Ganglionic and peripheral adrenergic blocking drugs: potentiation of effect; – Insulin: diabetic control may be altered; – Lithium: lithium toxicity increased; – Muscle relaxants: neuromuscular block increased; – Noradrenaline: decreased arterial responsiveness; – Oral antidiabetic agents: reduced effectiveness; – Phenothiazines: shock Overdosage: Symptoms: Symptoms include electrolyte imbalance and signs of potassium deficiency such as confusion, dizziness, muscular weakness and gastrointestinal disturbances. Treatment: General supportive measures, including replacement of fluids and electrolytes are indicated. Use in Pregnancy Category C. pregnancy and Drug X should be used with caution by pregnant women and by nursing mothers since lactation: drugs in the group cross the placental barrier and appear in cord blood. Use may result in foetal or neonatal jaundice, bone marrow depression and thrombocytopenia, altered carbohydrate metabolism. In newborn infants of mothers showing decreased glucose tolerance, and other adverse reactions which have occurred in the adult: when the drug is used in pregnant women, the potential benefits of the drug should be weighted against the possible hazards to the foetus. Australian categorisation definition: Category C: Drugs which, owing to their pharmacological effects, have cause or may be suspected of causing, harmful effects on the human foetus or neonate without causing malformations. These effects may be reversible. Dosage and Administered orally Administration: Adults: Usual dose: 2.5 to 10 mg once daily. To maintain an oedema-free state or as adjunct in the management of hypertension, 2.5 to 5 mg once daily. Usual optimum daily dose: 5 mg, maximum effective single dose is 10 mg. Administer after food to minimise gastrointestinal side effects. Monitor for dizziness after initial dosage. In the treatment of hypertension, Drug X may be either employed alone or concurrently with other antihypertensive with lower dosage of the component drugs and few or less severe side effects.

44

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

OET – SAMPLE

PHARMACISTS – WRITING SUBTEST

Writing Task Using the drug information provided, write a letter to Mrs Charlton summarising advice on how to take her medication, what side effects to be aware of and how to cope with them.

In your answer: •

Expand the relevant case notes into complete sentences.

•

Do not use note form.

•

The body of the letter should be approximately 200 words.

•

Use correct letter format.

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

45

WRITING SUBTEST – PHYSIOTHERAPISTS

OET – SAMPLE

Writing Test – Physiotherapists Time allowed: 40 minutes Read the case notes below and complete the writing task which follows.

The patient is to be discharged from the orthopaedic ward to a rehabilitation centre where he will attend as an outpatient. Patient history

Past history

17.12.96 Treatment Plan

18.12.96 Treatment Plan

20.12.96 Treatment

46

Surname: Given Names: Birthdate: Occupation: Social: Diagnosis: X-ray Report (19.12.96):

Browning John Louis 30.10.39 Credit Manager Lives with his wife. Children have moved out. Elective total knee replacement on 16.12.96 L Total Knee Replacement position appears satisfactory

L Knee trouble for many years – osteoarthritis, instability, intermittent locking. Painful most of the time. Uses a walking stick. Was an A-grade soccer player. Years of knee pain L > R Keen sportsman in the past. Previously independent.

Resting in bed with a zimmer knee splint. Deep breathing and coughing exercises Bed exercises: static quads, straight-leg raise, foot and ankle Continue bed exercises, mobilise when able, aim for home

Complaining of pain Continue bed exercises Poor static quadriceps contraction – unable to lift leg To commence ambulating on Friday

Pain decreased Bed exercises as previously – still not able to straight leg raise Quad exercises ++ Commence active knee flexion = 30º Commence partial weight bearing with crutches and Zimmer splint – walked 10 metres with difficulty

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

PHYSIOTHERAPISTS – WRITING SUBTEST

OET – SAMPLE

24.12.96

No change in range of motion or quads strength Continue bed exercises and walking Encourage ++

4.1.97

No change. For manipulation under anaesthetic tomorrow.

6.1.97

Having intensive physiotherapy Knee flexion = 60º Quads lag – 10º Walking independently between crutches Refer to rehabilitation centre for out-patient physiotherapy Review in out-patient clinic: 6.2.97

Writing Task Using the information in the case notes, write a letter of referral to Ms Barbara Blunt, Physiotherapy Department, St Stephen’s Rehabilitation Centre, Bond Street, Burwood, 3125. In your answer: •

Expand the relevant case notes into complete sentences.

•

Do not use note form.

•

The body of the letter should be approximately 200 words.

•

Use correct letter format.

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

47

WRITING SUBTEST – PODIATRISTS

OET – SAMPLE

Writing Test – Podiatrists Time allowed: 40 minutes Read the case notes below and complete the writing task which follows.

Patient history

Social history

Medical history

21.1.2001 Reason for visit 2.7.2001

Name: Date of birth:

Widow: husband died five years ago Planning to move across town to live with unmarried daughter

Healthy Recently diagnosed as a non-insulin diabetic i.e. Diabetes is being controlled by a combination of diet and medication Visit to podiatrist as recommended by doctor. To check feet due to current medical condition No problem. Visit to podiatrist Patient reported painless swelling on dorsum of right foot

Diagnosis

ganglion

Treatment

nil at this time

Recommendation

Mrs Emily-Jane Smith 27.08.1930

To visit podiatrist for check-up every three months: to monitor ganglion, possible side-effects of diabetes

Writing Task Given that Mrs Smith plans to move in one-month’s time, to live with her unmarried daughter in Blackburn, using the information in the case notes, write a letter of referral to Ms Joanne Smythe: Podiatrist, 4 Embank Arcade, Blackburn 3130. In your answer:

48

•

Expand the relevant case notes into complete sentences.

•

Do not use note form.

•

The body of the letter should be approximately 200 words.

•

Use correct letter format.

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

OET – SAMPLE

RADIOGRAPHERS – WRITING SUBTEST

Writing Test – Radiographers Time allowed: 40 minutes Read the letter, the x-ray reports and the patient log below, then complete the writing task which follows.

D.J. Smith Medical Superintendent Bankstown Hospital Chapel Street Bankstown NSW 2143

Dear Dr. Smith, I am writing to complain about the treatment my son received from a radiographer at your hospital on Saturday, 20/07/97. My son, Tim, is 6 years old, and I took him to your casualty section after he had fallen off a swing at the local playground and hurt his arm. By the time I got Tim to your casualty section his elbow had puffed up like a balloon and was very sore. He could not move his arm and he was screaming with pain. When we came into the casualty section, the nurse at the front desk saw Tim’s arm and called a doctor. This was very helpful as your casualty section was very busy and Tim could have been waiting for hours to see a doctor. When the doctor saw Tim he said that the elbow was broken and out of joint, and he would need an x-ray picture taken before the elbow could be straightened and put back in place. We then waited from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm before Tim was taken to the x-ray section. The casualty sister tried to contact the radiographer 3 times. However, he would not answer his pager. By this time, the pain in the arm had become worse, spreading down the arm into the fingers. When Tim arrived at the xray section he was taken straight into the x-ray room by the radiographer. I found the radiographer very rude and his handling of Tim was very rough. Because of all the pain, Tim was finding it difficult to keep his arm still. After the second x-ray the radiographer became annoyed with Tim and said, “You must cooperate and keep your arm still, otherwise you are wasting time and films.” With that he put some very heavy bags on Tim’s arm and then took another two x-rays. All this made Tim scream even more with pain. When I got back to casualty the doctor immediately called in a specialist to see Tim. The specialist took Tim to the operating room where he put some wires in to hold the bones together. Tim has now left hospital, but he was very frightened when he had to have his arm x-rayed the second time. Thankfully, this radiographer was more patient and kind. My family has always used your hospital, and this is the first time I have met any rudeness from a member of your staff. Also, I have never had to wait such a long time for an x-ray before, especially with someone in pain. My other son, Roger, broke his arm when he was 3, and there was no waiting for his x-ray to be done. I am bringing this to your attention so that you may investigate the matter. With regards, John Roberts

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

49

WRITING SUBTEST – RADIOGRAPHERS

OET – SAMPLE

X-Ray report Patient: Region: MRN: Date:

Tim Roberts Right elbow 008 06 69 20 July 1997

There is a comminuted fracture involving the lower end of the humerus. The proximal humerus is displaced anteriorly by 10 mm, with the distal fragment being displaced superiorly and tilted 30 degrees dorsally. On the lateral, there is widening of the proximal radio-ulnar joint. On the AP the fragments are in anatomical alignment. There is widening of the joint between the head of the radius and the capitulum. Conclusion: A comminuted fracture of the lower end of the humerus with marked angulation and displacement occurring at the fracture site. Damage to the radial artery and entrapment of the radial nerve would have to be considered. A subluxation of the proximal radio-ulnar joint is present. Dr K Snowgrass Staff Radiologist

X-Ray report Patient: Region: MRN: Date:

Tim Roberts Right elbow 008 06 69 22July 1997

There is a 5 mm displacement of the fragments with no overlapping. There is 20 degrees posterior tilting of the distal fragments. There is less widening of the radio-ulnar joint, consistent with a minor subluxation or a resolving haematoma. Two metallic pins are noted in the lower end of the humerus. Dr P Phillips Staff Radiologist

Patient log

Radiographer: Peter Brown

Date: Saturday, 20/7/97

50

Time

Examination/Patient Name/Ward/Comments

Notification & Time

4.00

Mobile chest. Urgent. KINNEAR J D6a post cardiac surgery. Left pneumothorax

Pager 3.55

4.10

Mobile chest. Urgent. ROWLES L D6a re-positioning of subclavian Pager 3.55 catheter

4.25

Mobile chest. Urgent. HOBBS twin 1 Neonate ICU post insertion of chest tube

Pager 4:15

4.45

Wrist. SMYTHE W Casualty # mid radius

Phone 4.40

4.55

Mobile chest. Urgent. KINNEAR J D6a Post insertion of chest tube

Pager 4.50

5.00

End of shift Radiographer (Jeff K) has not arrived

5.10

Left leg. RAVEN P Casualty – soccer injury

None

5.15

Right shoulder. RYAN J Casualty # clavicle

Phone 4.45

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

RADIOGRAPHERS – WRITING SUBTEST

OET – SAMPLE

5.20

Jeff late for next shift Arriving ? 6.30

Pager 5.20

5.25

Chest FILMER O B3b Routine pre-op

5.30

Mobile chest. YOUNG L Adult ICU Myocardial Infarct

Pager 5.25

5.40

Mobile abdomen. XIA Y Adult ICY

Phone 5.25

Insertion of NG tube 5.55

Right Ankle. HOWARD P Casualty # tibia

None

6.00

Right elbow ROBERTS T Casualty # humerus

Pager 5.50

6.25

Radiographer (Jeff) arrives to take over shift

Writing Task Assume you are the radiographer (Peter Brown) involved in x-raying this patient. Dr Smith has received the letter of complaint and has requested you to report to him with an explanation of the events. Using the information in the letter of complaint from the father, and the radiographer’s report, write a letter to Dr Smith explaining your actions.

In your answer: •

Expand the relevant case notes into complete sentences.

•

Do not use note form.

•

The body of the letter should be approximately 200 words.

•

Use correct letter format.

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

51

WRITING SUBTEST – SPEECH PATHOLOGISTS

OET – SAMPLE

Writing Test – Speech Pathologists Time allowed: 40 minutes Read the case notes below and complete the writing task which follows.

You are working in a district hospital and have received a medical referral from an affiliated Nursing Home to re-assess a patient with severe, long-standing swallowing difficulties. Dysphagia Bedside assessment Name: Helen Walsh D.O.B.: 2/12/1965 Aetiology: Motor vehicle accident No significant L.O.C. Spinal injury at C2/3 level with dislocation of C2 Aphonia Dysphagia. G.T. in situ Onset: 12/4/1997 Physical: Quadraparesis affecting L> R side, arms > legs Occupation: Bank Clerk (previously) Assessment Results Alert, co-operative Hist. of recur. chest infections head control, needs posturing Oral stage R weak & invol. mov’ts of tong. Lips, cheeks, jaw, S.P. – NAD; Drool – sev +++; Pharyn stage V.F. palsy No eff’v cough – vol. or invol. No veloph, ele’n No gag Spon. sw. observed but infreq. Delay init’n of vol.sw ++ laryn. elev’n Asp’n risk +++++ ass’t result = sev. impairments L.M.N., signs C.N. damage: C.N. IX, X and XII NIL MOUTH

52

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

OET – SAMPLE

SPEECH PATHOLOGISTS – WRITING SUBTEST

Writing Task Using the information in the assessment summary, write a letter to the referring doctor, Dr. A. Street, Bayside Nursing Home, Bay City, 3153. Give your assessment of the patient’s swallowing skills with a recommendation about the patient’s oral eating status.

In your answer: •

Expand the relevant case notes into complete sentences.

•

Do not use note form.

•

The body of the letter should be approximately 200 words.

•

Use correct letter format.

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

53

WRITING SUBTEST – VETERINARIANS

OET – SAMPLE

Writing Test – Veterinarians Time allowed: 40 minutes Read the case notes below and complete the writing task which follows.

Date:

2.1.97

Time of presentation:

10 pm

Owner:

Mrs Dee

Animal:

“Fru-Fru”, a 5-year-old female Terrier cross (10kg)

History

Vomiting and diarrhoea for 3 days. No appetite. Now very weak.

Clinical Findings

Other Procedures

Temp 38.5 C 10% dehydration estimated Demeanour lethargic and depressed Generalised muscle weakness Weak pulse Bradycardia (80 bpm) Clinical Pathology: Asostix BUN=20mg/dl PCV 48% TP 7.5 mg/dl Glucose 80mg/dl ECG: very small P waves tall spiked T waves prolonged PR interval

Diagnosis

Tentative Diagnosis: Hypoadrenocorticism (Addisons Disease) DDx Acute pancreatitis. Renal failure. Gastroenteritis.

Treatment

Pre-treatment Blood Samples collected for Lab analysis tomorrow. IV indwelling catheter placed. Given 1 litre 0.9% isotonic saline Doca (Desoxycorticosterone acetate) 2 mg IM. Prednisolone Sodium Succinate IV.

Advised owner of need for further hospitalisation and monitoring at own vet’s. Original blood sample to be analysed to confirm diagnosis. Own vet to advise client of long-term treatment options.

54

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

OET – SAMPLE

VETERINARIANS – WRITING SUBTEST

Writing Task You are a vet at an after-hours clinic and you are referring the client back to their own vet the next morning. Write a letter of referral to Dr Black at Suburbia Veterinary Practice, Suburbia, 3773.

In your answer: •

Expand the relevant case notes into complete sentences.

•

Do not use note form.

•

The body of the letter should be approximately 200 words.

•

Use correct letter format.

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

55

Subtest

General information

Speaking

Time allocation: approximately 20 minutes

Test format and procedure This subtest is specific to each profession. The subtest is a face-to-face interview where candidates are required to participate in two different role play situations typical of their health profession area. The details of each role play are set out on two cue cards. Candidates take the role of the health professional while the interviewer takes the role of the patient or client. This subtest is in three parts:

1.

Warm-up conversation This is not assessed. The purpose of the warm-up conversation is to explain the format of the test and to help the candidate to relax. The interviewer will ask about areas of professional interest, previous work, reasons for coming to Australia, future plans, etc.

2.

First role play The interviewer hands the candidate a role play card which the candidate reads carefully. Any questions are to be asked and answered before the role play begins. The interviewer will finish the role play after about 5 minutes.

3.

Second role play The above procedure is repeated with a different role play.

The whole interview is recorded. It is important that the candidate and the interviewer speak clearly so that the assessor can understand everything that is said. Two role plays are provided to ensure the assessment is fair. The assessment is based on both role plays.

Assessment procedure In the actual test, speaking is assessed by qualified, experienced English Language assessors who have been trained in OET assessment procedures. The assessment is based on the following criteria: • overall communicative effectiveness •

intelligibility

•

fluency

•

appropriateness of language

•

resources of grammar and expression.

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

57

If the interlocutor (person who takes the role of the patient or client) is trained as an assessor, an assessment is made during the role plays. If the interlocutor is not trained, the assessment is made in Australia after the test. All candidate responses are double marked. Borderline tapes are marked by a third assessor.

The sample materials The sample materials consist of: •

role play cards for ten health professional areas

•

two complete role plays recorded on the audio tape. One of the role plays involves a doctor, and the other a nurse. It is not possible to provide examples of all professions, but these interviews should provide a clear idea of the procedures used in the interview.

Using the materials •

Select the relevant role play.

•

Copy the information on to two cards.

•

Take the role of the health professional.

•

Ask a friend to play the role of a patient or client.

•

Ask another friend to observe the role play and give you feedback on your performance.

•

Read the information on the card carefully.

•

You have to deal with the case details as outlined on the card by asking and answering questions put to you by the patient or client.

•

Speak as naturally as possible.

•

Remember it is important to be interested in the welfare of the patient and to reassure the patient or relation of the patient that the treatment being proposed is appropriate.

•

Keep to the time limit of 5 minutes (approximate) for each role play.

•

Ask a friend who observed for comments and feedback.

58

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

DENTISTS – SPEAKING SUBTEST

OET – SAMPLE

Candidate’s Card: Dentists Setting

Student Dental Service

Dentist

This first-year student is taking advantage of the cost-free check-up which your service offers. You have just done a complete examination of his/her teeth and extra-oral areas and have found nothing abnormal. There is some calculus/tartar on the teeth and some inflammation of the gums.

Task

Tell the student the good news: no holes (because of fluoride in the water). Point out that tartar and gingivitis are present and explain how to brush teeth.

Roleplayer’s Card: Dentists Setting

Student Dental Service

Patient

You started university this year and have decided to have a free check-up at the student dental service. The last time you went to the dentist was 5 or 6 years ago, when your mother took you along for a check-up. You’ve never had any fillings, and all you can remember is losing your first teeth. The dentist has just given your teeth a complete examination.

Task

Find out if there is any dental work that needs to be done on your teeth, and also what you can do to look after your teeth. You hate the taste of toothpaste and feel flossing will be too difficult.

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

59

SPEAKING SUBTEST – DIETITIANS

OET – SAMPLE

Candidate’s Card: Dietitians Setting

Outpatient Clinic

Dietitian

Your patient is the parent of an 18 month old boy who is underweight. The patient tells you that the family follow a very healthy diet.

Task

Find out what the child eats, and why it is important to the parent that the child stays thin and has a low fat diet. Explain to the parent that the child needs more energy to help it grow. Encourage the parent to add more fat to the child’s diet.

Roleplayer’s Card: Dietitians

60

Setting

Outpatient Clinic

Patient

You are the parent of an 18 month old boy. The local health clinic nurse has referred you to a dietitian because your child is underweight. You are very aware of the importance of eating healthy food and you and your partner and child follow a low fat diet using only low-fat dairy products, no butter or margarine and little meat. Your father died of a heart attack recently and you know that family history is one of the risk factors for developing heart disease. You are determined to stay healthy and want to make sure your son does too. You are also determined that your son will not grow up fat. You were fat as a child and can remember how cruel other children were to you.

Task

Tell the dietitian that you and your family follow a very healthy diet. Tell him/her about your father’s death and your fears of developing heart disease and also you worry that your son may end up being fat. Resist suggestions that you should introduce more fattening foods to your son’s diet.

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

DOCTORS – SPEAKING SUBTEST

OET – SAMPLE

Candidate’s Card: Doctors Setting

Suburban clinic, 11 pm

Doctor

This parent has brought in his/her four-year-old child, Tom, who has been well, except for one day of mild rhinorrhoea. This evening he developed a cough that sounded ‘like a dog barking’. You diagnose mild croup.

Task

You explain the illness and that there is no treatment. You reassure the parent that it is common and usually harmless but give instructions as to when to seek immediate attention.

Roleplayer’s Card: Doctors Setting

Suburban clinic, 11 pm

Patient

You have brought your four-year-old child, Tom, in with you. Tom had a mild runny nose through the day and this evening developed a cough. He went to bed as usual and awoke with a terrible deep cough. He sounded like a barking dog. You feel very worried about the cough and his breathing.

Task

Seek reassurance from the doctor. Find out if it is dangerous and requires treatment. Be really anxious.

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

61

SPEAKING SUBTEST – NURSES

OET – SAMPLE

Candidate’s Card: Nurses Setting

A hospital ward

Nurse

You are talking to a 56-year-old patient, a heavy smoker who has just been admitted with bronchitis.

Task

Find out about the patient’s general background: family, habits and general health. Also respond to the patient’s questions about giving up smoking. Give advice in a positive and friendly way.

Roleplayer’s Card: Nurses Setting

A hospital ward

Patient

You are a 56-year-old smoker who has been admitted to hospital with bronchitis. The nurse is collecting information from you. You live in your own home with your wife/husband, who is 50 years old, and you have three teenage children living at home. You have smoked for 30 years and often had chest infections. You would like to give up smoking but have tried several times and have not succeeded.

Task

62

Answer the nurse’s question about your family situation, and ask for advice about how to give up smoking.

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS – SPEAKING SUBTEST

OET – SAMPLE

Candidate’s Card: Occupational Therapists Setting

Aged Care Facility

Occupational Therapist

You are speaking to the son or daughter of an elderly man who has been admitted to hospital for diagnostic and functional assessment after having been found on several occasions wandering in the neighbourhood, unable to find his way home. The neighbours have also reported that lights are frequently left on all night in the patient’s house. However the patient does not acknowledge these things occurring. The patient has been living alone in the family home for 6 years since his wife died and has very little contact with people other than his only child, who visits weekly, and his neighbours. He is not being very co-operative with hospital staff.

Task

Introduce yourself to the son/daughter and explain what you will be doing with his/her father in the occupational therapy sessions. Give examples of the assessments you will be carrying out, as well as the reasons for these. It is important to obtain the son/daughter’s co-operation.

Roleplayer’s Card: Occupational Therapists Setting

Aged Care Facility

Patient

Your elderly father has been admitted to hospital for assessment after having been found on several occasions wandering in the neighbourhood, unable to find his way home. The neighbours have told you that the lights are frequently left on all night in his house. When asked, your father does not acknowledge that these things occurred. As a result, the local doctor has had your father admitted for assessment to a special hospital for the elderly. Your father is a widower and has been living alone in the family home for 6 years. He has very little contact with people other than yourself, and his neighbours. He values his independence and takes pride in his self-sufficiency. He sees no reason for being admitted to hospital. You feel guilty for disrupting (maybe permanently) his highly valued independent way of life (perhaps you should have taken him to live with you).

Task

Find out what the occupational therapist will be doing for your father in the therapy sessions. Discuss where your father should live and seek reassurance about the care he will receive here. Is this really the best place for him?

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

63

SPEAKING SUBTEST – PHARMACISTS

OET – SAMPLE

Candidate’s Card: Pharmacists Setting

Community Pharmacy

Pharmacist

The patient visited the pharmacy four days ago complaining about an itchy rash between the toes, which you diagnosed as tinea pedis. You sold her/him an antifungal cream to apply twice a day. She/he has been doing what you recommended, but there has been no improvement.

Task

Explain to the patient that it usually takes several days before the symptoms are relieved. Reassure the patient that the product is the best one for the condition. Encourage her/him to persist with the treatment and to continue using the cream for a further seven days after the symptoms clear to prevent relapse. Check whether she/he has been following advice to prevent reinfection and transfer of the infection to other members of the family. (eg. wash the feet daily and dry carefully especially between the toes; use a separate towel and wash it separately; wear absorbent cotton rather than synthetic socks; open footwear if possible.)

Roleplayer’s Card: Pharmacists Setting

Community Pharmacy

Patient

You visited the pharmacy four days ago complaining about an itchy rash between your toes. The pharmacist said you were suffering from “athlete’s foot” and sold you a cream to apply twice a day. You have followed the instructions, but there is no improvement. You have been careful to use a separate towel for your feet and not let anyone else use the towel.

Task

Ask the pharmacist to give you something more effective, as the condition is very itchy and uncomfortable. Be insistent.

64

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

PHYSIOTHERAPISTS – SPEAKING SUBTEST

OET – SAMPLE

Candidate’s Card: Physiotherapists Setting

Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation Group

Physiotherapist

You are a member of the cardiac rehabilitation team, specifically responsible for the graded exercise program of each participant. You have a new 45-year-old patient, who is attending for the first time with his/her partner, who is extremely anxious and protective.

Task

Give an outline of the program (walking program, monitored exercises, stress management, group discussion/education over a 6 week period). Respond to the partner’s anxiety and seek to gain his/her confidence to participate in the rehabilitation program.

Roleplayer’s Card: Physiotherapists Setting

Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation Group

Patient

Your 45-year-old partner suffered a heart attack 10 days ago, was admitted to the coronary care unit, and had an uncomplicated recovery. He/she has now been discharged and referred to the Cardiac Rehabilitation Group. Both your parents died of cardiac disease at a relatively young age and you are extremely anxious and fearful regarding the recovery of your partner, about whom you feel very protective.

Task

Find out some guidelines on physical activity from the physiotherapist in charge of the rehabilitation group. How effective are they likely to be in this sort of case? What sort of strain are they likely to put on your partner?

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

65

SPEAKING SUBTEST – PODIATRISTS

OET – SAMPLE

Candidate’s Card: Podiatrists Setting

Suburban private practice

Podiatrists

This otherwise healthy 18 year old is suffering from an onychocryptosis (ingrowing toe nail) by poor nail cutting which left a splinter of nail in the fibular sulcus of the right hallux. The splinter of nail needs to be removed, and antiseptic measures need to be taken to clear the infection.

Task

Explain to the patient that you are going to remove the offending splinter of nail from the fibular sulcus after administering a local anaesthetic injection to the hallux. An antiseptic dressing will then be applied to contain the infection. Inform the patient: – your treatment will resolve the immediate problem – condition may recur, due to toe nail shape – if so, a partial nail avulsion is possible (to effect a permanent cure without drastically altering the shape of the nail).

Roleplayers Card: Podiatrists

66

Setting

Suburban private practice

Patient

You are 18 years old. The nail of the big toe of your right foot has been causing you some irritation on the inner side, so you cut a section of the nail away to relieve the irritation. A few days later you noticed that the side where you had cut the nail away was red and painful. When you examined the area, you noticed some pus.

Task

Seek a remedy for the problem. You are concerned that the pain is preventing you from playing basketball, and that wearing any shoe is uncomfortable. However, you’ve never had an anaesthetic and are very apprehensive about the process. You want the problem fixed once and for all.

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

RADIOGRAPHERS – SPEAKING SUBTEST

OET – SAMPLE

Candidate’s Card: Radiographers Setting

Pre-procedure waiting area

Radiographer

The patient is 58 years old, and has been suffering from pain in both lower legs. Clinical notes: Bilateral Claudication; left greater than right; absent pulses below l. knee; possible bilateral peripheral vascular disease. Examination required: Lumbar aortagram and bilateral femoral angiogram. You will be carrying out the x-ray procedure together assisted by a radiologist and a nurse.

Task

• • •

Check the patient’s identity Check that the patient has completed a consent form Explain the procedure as follows: – administration of the local anaesthetic on the groin area, insertion of a thin plastic catheter into the femoral artery, which is then passed into the main artery of the abdomen, injection of contrast using a pump and a series of pictures to follow the contrast down the legs – positions and instructions during procedure (lying very still, flat on back, holding breath when instructed) – the need to press on the groin to seal the artery for 10 mins after procedure – the need to lie flat in bed for 4 hrs; best rest for 24 hrs (to avoid developing a large haemotoma).

Roleplayer’s Card: Radiographers Setting

Pre-procedure waiting area

Patient

You are 58 years old. Over the last 12 months, you have developed pain in both lower legs when you walk any distance. Recently, the pain has been much worse, particularly in the left leg and has occurred more quickly (i.e., over a shorter distance). Your doctor told you that he “needs some pictures of the blood vessels of your legs” and got you to sign a form to allow the procedure. You are surprised that the blood vessels show up in x-rays and you don’t quite know or understand what the form was for.

Task

Find out what is actually being done. It seems to be a lot of fuss. Be anxious about the procedure; question why it must be done and what are the side effects, if any. Be reluctant to co-operate.

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

67

SPEAKING SUBTEST – SPEECH PATHOLOGISTS

OET – SAMPLE

Candidate’s Card: Speech Pathologists Setting

Early Intervention Centre Outpatient Clinic

Speech Pathologist

You are talking to the parent of a 2-year old girl with Cerebral Palsy – Spastic Quadriplegia. Patient is always fed on her mother’s knee and tilted back. She is small and obviously underweight. She has no speech and limited vocalisations.

Task

Ask about how and what the child is usually fed. Give the parent a basic understanding of how to feed the child (hold upright, head in the middle). Provide one or two practical ideas about appropriate posture and types of food for the parent to take home and implement immediately.

Roleplayer’s Card: Speech Pathologists

68

Setting

Early Intervention Centre Outpatient Clinic

Patient

You are the parent of a 2-year-old girl with Cerebral Palsy. She is severely disabled and completely unable to eat or drink unassisted. She is bottle fed and eats only pureed food. You (and your spouse) always feed her on your knee, tilted back.

Task

This is your first visit to a Speech Pathologist. You are very concerned about your child’s weight. You are anxious to do the best for your child, but are worried by what the therapist tells you to do: in the past you have tried to feed your daughter in a high chair but she has coughed, lost most of the food, and nearly choked, on more than one occasion, which frightened you. How can you be sure to avoid a repeat of this, and what should you do if she does start choking again?

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

VETERINARIANS – SPEAKING SUBTEST

OET – SAMPLE

Candidate’s Card: Veterinarians Setting

Suburban clinic

Veterinarian

Your client has an 11-year-old entire male dog. The client thinks it has diarrhoea because he/she has noticed a watery discharge from the anus.

Task

Ask your client to explain the symptoms. Get further history. (Any strain on passing faeces? Any bones fed to the animal?) Tell the owner your diagnosis (constipation secondary to the feeding of bones and a prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate gland)); explain what should be done. Advise an enema under general anaesthetic if medical treatment is unsuccessful. Recommend castration at some point in the future. Explain why. Give advice about diet for the dog. No bones.

Roleplayer’s Card: Veterinarians Setting

Suburban clinic

Patient

You have an 11-year-old uncastrated male dog, Shep. The dog is quieter than normal and is not eating. You have noticed a watery discharge from his behind and you tell the vet he has diarrhoea. If asked, you did notice that he had been straining to pass faeces and yes, you do feed him bones.

Task

Answer the vet’s questions and find out what is wrong with the dog. You feel stupid because you thought he had diarrhoea. You tell the vet that you have always given the dog bones and never had any trouble before. Your are concerned that the dog is old and will not stand up to an anaesthetic for an enema or for the castration. You do not want to have the dog lose its manhood, and reject the idea of castration for the dog.

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

69

Answers Reading Part A

72

Part B

72

Listening Part A

73

Part B

76

Writing

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

Dentists

78

Dietitians

79

Doctors

80

Nurses

81

Occupational Therapists

82

Pharmacists

83

Physiotherapists

84

Podiatrists

85

Radiographers

86

Speech Pathologists

87

Veterinarians

88

71

ANSWERS – READING SUBTEST

OET – SAMPLE

Answer Key Part A – Latin America struggles as cholera spreads 1

b

paragraphs 1-3

2

c

paragraph 3

3

a

paragraphs 3-6

4

c

paragraphs 9-11

5

d

paragraph 12

6

c

paragraphs 1-14

7

d

paragraphs 14-15

8

b

paragraphs 13-16

9

a

paragraph 18

10

b

paragraph 7-19

Part B – Trans Fat

72

11

d

paragraphs 1-3

12

a

paragraph 2

13

d

paragraphs 1-4

14

a

paragraphs 1-5

15

d

paragraphs 4-5

16

b

paragraphs 2-5

17

a

paragraph 6

18

c

paragraphs 6-7

19

b

paragraph 8

20

c

paragraphs 9-10

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

ANSWERS – LISTENING SUBTEST

OET – SAMPLE

Note:

Variations in vocabulary and grammar are acceptable, provided the meaning is the same as the answers given below. A slash “/” indicates alternative answers e.g. “monitors urine at home/with sticks” means “monitors urine at home” OR “monitors urine with sticks”. Brackets “(……)” indicate optional details e.g. “(reading) glasses for 20 years” means “glasses for 20 years” is enough.

Marker’s use only

Part A – Consultation with a diabetic patient 2

Medical history a)

b)

3

Diabetes One mark for any two of the eight points listed below One mark for a further two of the eight points listed below (You MUST get 2 points to receive one mark. NO half marks given) • 10 years • Husband also diabetic • (prescribed/took) tablets soon after diagnosis • No problems with sugars/infections • Monitors urine at home/with sticks • Monitors urine irregularly/once a week • Monitors urine if she feels unwell/off colour • Sometimes high sugar with extra checks Vision One mark each for any two of the three points listed below • (reading) glasses for 20 years/glasses before diabetes • Specialist check 5 years ago • Vision seems OK/doesn’t think diabetes has affected sight

Circumstances of burn and work history One mark for any two of the seven points listed below One mark for a further two of the seven points listed below (You MUST get 2 points to receive one mark. NO half marks given) • Burn on arm • Burn 3 days ago • Burnt from accident (scald) at work/in kitchen • Spilt soup from heavy tureen/pot • Repeated burns in her job • Hurries too much/is careless at work • Good job/likes job/doesn’t feel under pressure at work

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

Item 1

2

Item 2

2

Item 3

2

73

ANSWERS – LISTENING SUBTEST

OET – SAMPLE

Marker’s use only 4

5

6

7

Dietary habits One mark each for any four of the nine points listed below • Dietary advice 20 years ago (from hospital) • No special diet • Tries not to have/keeps off sugar • Buys diabetic cordial/jam • Overweight (25 years) • Can’t lose weight/has trouble losing weight • Tastes food in kitchen • Eats cream cakes at tea • Unaware of consequences of careless diet Family history (medical) One mark each for any two of the four points listed below • Grandmother had diabetes • Grandmother died of gangrene (of foot) • Husband has poor vision • Husband’s health is worse than hers Social Relationships (including family) One mark each for any three of the six points listed below • 4 children • Children all married/she has grandchildren • She and husband live alone/gets on well with husband • Lives near one daughter/doesn’t get on well with one daughter • Feels close to daughter in country/likes visiting daughter in country • Active (social) life

4

Item 5

2

Item 6

3

Treatment plan a)

b)

74

Item 4

Diabetes One mark each for any three of the five points listed below • Need to monitor urine (more often) • (Possible) monitor blood sugar (levels) with machine/glucometer • Need for better understanding (of diabetes/of importance of diet) • Education program/classes at hospital/evening classes (after work) • Prescription for/continue Daonil Vision One mark each for any two of the three points listed below • Arrange eye check • Regular eye checks needed • Need to look out for gradual changes

Item 7

3

Item 8

2

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

ANSWERS – LISTENING SUBTEST

OET – SAMPLE

Marker’s use only c)

8

9

Burn One mark for the three points listed below (You MUST get 3 points to receive one mark. NO half marks given) • Dress properly/proper dressing • Burn cream • Change (dressing) every day/daily One mark each for any two of the three points listed below • Guard against/watch for infection • May need antibiotics (if infection occurs) • Probably about 1 week to heal

History of arthritis (including current factors) One mark each for any three of the eight points listed below • Knee pain/arthritis in knee • Long time/10 years • Indocid/Voltarin/other anti-inflammatorys not effective • Controlled with Orudis/only Orudis is effective/can only take Orudis • Takes one tablet a day for about a month/several weeks • Single tablets don’t help/need to take tablets for (long enough) period • Knees ache after work/work makes pain worse • Weight is a factor

Item 9

1 Item 10

2

Item 11

3

Treatment plan continued a)

b)

Arthritis One mark for either of the following points listed below • Take/continue Orudis if painful/if necessary • Short term basis/don’t take continuously/permanently

Item 12

Obesity One mark each for any one of the three points listed below • Dietary education • Classes (at hospital) for weight loss/to control weight • Advised to lose weight

Item 13

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

1

1

75

ANSWERS – LISTENING SUBTEST

OET – SAMPLE

Marker’s use only

Part B – Talk on National Heart Foundation 2

Item 14

How to reduce premature cardiovascular disease • (Primary) prevention (approach)/(through) education

3

4

Causes of insecurity One mark each for any two of the six points listed below • Rapid change/institutions or conventions changed/redefined • Neighbourhoods not safe/secure • Food not seen as so nutritious • Doctors don’t have (all the) answers/less faith in doctors • Shopping now regional, not local/storekeepers no longer provide advice • Lack of people to trust

b)

2

Delivering the message One mark each for any two of the six points listed below • (Visits) schools/worksites • Training people/training in heart lung resuscitation • Telephone/personal contact • (Promotion through) sponsorship • Community activities • Regional networks/centres Factors involved in healthier education One mark each for any three of the four points listed below • Good/healthy food (easy to find)/choice of healthy food • Not smoking • Exercise (freely available) • More opportunities for a healthy lifestyle

Item 16

2

Item 17

3

Policy in health promotion a)

b)

76

Item 15

The work of the Education Unit of the NHF a)

5

1

Statements about health promotion One mark for the following three correct answers • T • F • F Aims of the Ottawa Charter One mark each for the two points listed below • Environment/society • Community/general population

Item 18

1 Item 19

2

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

ANSWERS – LISTENING SUBTEST

OET – SAMPLE

Marker’s use only

6

7

Recent changes in places of entertainment and culture One mark each for the two points listed below • Healthier catering/(introducing) healthier food supply • (Introducing) smoke-free/non-smoking areas

b)

c)

d)

9

2

Primary Schools Nutrition Project a)

8

Item 20

Problems among primary school children One mark each for any two of the three points listed below • Lack of nutrition advice • (Being given) poor food • (School) canteens supply poor (oily/fatty/high sugar/low fibre) foods Aim of Primary Schools Project One mark for either of the points listed below • Good food preparation/selection skills • How to choose healthy food Street festival in Melbourne One mark for the point below • Windows project/painted healthy food on shop windows Health promotion and health professionals One mark for either of the points listed below • Move/change/re-orient health to community (based model) • (Give) control of health back to people

Future challenges for the NHF One mark for each of the four points below • Increased obesity with age/throughout life span • Give nutrition advice (to patients) • Consistent guidelines/messages/advice about nutrition • Because many in target group eat “fast” foods/visit them a lot a)

b)

Criticism of health budget One mark for either of the points listed below • Directed (too much) to illness/hospitals/medical centres • Need a population approach to health The biggest challenge for health agencies One mark for either of the points listed below • Make healthier choices easier • Give back health to the community

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

Item 21

2 Item 22

1 Item 23

1

Item 24

1

Item 25

4

Item 26

1

Item 27

1

77

ANSWERS – WRITING SUBTEST

OET – SAMPLE

Dentists – Letter of Referral

Dr Perry Dontal 10 Carpenter Street Brighton 3186

5 February, 1997

Dear Dr Dontal Re: Ms Rosie Buck Ms Buck presented at my surgery today, 5/2/97 complaining of pain on and around the upper right central incisor. This tooth has a post crown which was constructed on 19/10/95. Until now the tooth has been nonsymptomatic. My radiograph indicated that the tooth is now split, and I believe that the cause of the pain is an infection in the gum. Please note that Ms Buck is allergic to penicillin. Also, the last time I gave her a local anaesthetic (Lignocaine) she had a reaction, which I suspect is a sensitivity to adrenaline. Please would you examine the gum around the tooth and treat appropriately. I have enclosed the radiograph of the tooth. Thank you for seeing Ms Buck for me. Yours sincerely,

D.K. (Dentist)

78

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ANSWERS – WRITING SUBTEST

Dietitians – Patient report

Dr J Smith 765 Brunswick Road Preston 3072

25 January, 1997

Dear Dr Smith Re: Mr James Mann Thank you for referring your patient Mr James Mann for advice on a low fat diet for cholecystitis. I first saw the patient on 25.1.97 when he weighed 90 kg. As Mr Mann is 178 cm tall, this gives him a BMI of 28 which is classified as overweight. Patient’s usual diet is quite high in fat and energy and he also leads a sedentary lifestyle which has contributed to his being overweight. However, he basically has a regular eating pattern and is happy to make changes to his diet. I have advised Mr Mann on a balanced diet with an emphasis on lowering fat intake to approx 50 g. and I have also advised him to increase his activity in order to allow gradual weight reduction to approximately 79 kg which will give him a BMI of 25. I will be reviewing Mr Mann in two weeks time. In the meantime should you require any further information about this patient please do not hesitate to contact me. Yours sincerely,

Dietitian

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

79

ANSWERS – WRITING SUBTEST

OET – SAMPLE

Doctors – Letter of Referral The Registrar Emergency Department Royal Melbourne Hospital Flemington Road Parkville 3052

30 April, 1997

Dear Doctor, Re: Mr Derek Romano I am writing to refer Mr Romano, a patient of mine to you. Mr Romano, is 46 years old and is an insurance clerk, he is married with one child, and is suffering from his first episode of ischaemic (or cardiac) chest pain. The patient first attended me six months ago. His risk factors include: hypertension, smoking (one packet per day), obesity, strong family history (father died of an acute myocardial infarction aged 48) and hypercholesterolemia (Total cholesterol = 6.4 mmol). He has no known allergies. After persistently elevated blood pressure readings around 150/100, patient was commenced on nifedipine and this was recently increased to 20 mg twice daily. He also uses Mylanta for reflux oesophagitis. A cardiovascular examination on 23.4.97 was normal. Today Mr Romano presented following a minimum of one hour of crushing, retrosternal chest pain. He felt nauseated and sweaty with mild dyspnoea. Examination revealed a distressed and anxious man with a pulse of 64 (sinus rhythm) and blood pressure of 160/100. Crepitations were noted on chest auscultation. Electrocardiography revealed changes consistent with an inferior myocardial infarction. Oxygen was given and one anginine sublingually followed by morphine 2.5mg intravenously. His pain has now settled but I consider he requires admission to the Coronary Care Unit for stabilisation. I will telephone later to check on his condition. Yours sincerely,

Dr X

80

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OET – SAMPLE

ANSWERS – WRITING SUBTEST

Nurses – Letter of Referral Ms Josie Hext Maternal and Child Health Centre 133 Elm Grove Westfield 2962

10 April, 1997

Dear Ms Hext, Re: Mrs Violetta Ortiz I am writing to refer Mrs Violetta Ortiz and her baby, Maria, to you. Mrs Ortiz was discharged from our hospital after seven days on 10 April, 1997. The baby is progressing quite well, but has only gained a small amount of weight. Her birth weight was 3010g, and on discharge it was 3020g. The baby is breast fed, but sleepy and reluctant to feed, and Mrs Oritz is anxious about managing her three children. She has a boy, Sam, who is 5 years and not yet at school, and a 3-year-old girl, Teresa, as well as the new baby. Mrs Ortiz receives little assistance from her husband, Jose, who works at night. The family lives in a two-bedroom high-rise flat. Should you require any further information regarding Mrs Ortiz please do not hesitate to contact me. Yours sincerely

Olive Tring Charge Nurse

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

81

ANSWERS – WRITING SUBTEST

OET – SAMPLE

Occupational Therapists – Letter of Referral

Ms. Dorothy Ross Occupational Therapy Department Metropolitan Rehabilitation Centre Marks St Clayton 3168

15 May, 1997

Dear Ms. Ross, Re: Ms. Jillian May Jackson I am writing to refer Ms. Jillian May Jackson to you. Ms. Jackson, a 32 year old married woman with a 5 year history of multiple sclerosis, was admitted to City Hospital on 06/05/1997 with a one week history of rapid deterioration in function. Her husband, Mr. Jackson, a bank manager, is very supportive. They have no children. Patient’s problems were identified as: lower limb spasticity requiring a wheelchair for mobility; upper limb ataxia; loss of bladder control, requiring a permanent indwelling catheter. Specifically, Ms. Jackson demonstrated difficulty in eating, dressing, writing and communication, toileting, transfers, grooming and sexual activity. She has not undertaken domestic chores for the last 12 months. Transport and recreation are also areas of difficulty. A home visit is essential. At discharge on 15/05/1997, Ms. Jackson was eating independently with supplied adaptive cutlery and dressing her upper body with adapted clothing. Assistance was required with lower limb dressing and other personal tasks due to difficulty within transfers and coordinated movement. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you require any further information about this patient. Yours sincerely,

Frances Sagan Occupational Therapist

82

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ANSWERS – WRITING SUBTEST

Pharmacists – Letter of Advice

Browns Pharmacy 29 Ferguson St Crystal Creek 3111 6 June, 1999 Mrs. V Charlton 16 White St Crystal Creek, 3111

Dear Mrs. Charlton, Dr. Goodrich has prescribed Drug X to bring your raised blood pressure under control. You will need to take one tablet each morning after breakfast. It is important to take the tablets after food so as to prevent stomach upsets. You may find that this medicine causes dizziness, especially when you stand up quickly. Take extra care to move slowly from lying to sitting or sitting to standing positions, especially when you first start taking these tablets. This effect can be worsened by alcohol. In addition, report any skin reaction, such as a rash, itch or sun sensitivity to your doctor, and see your doctor if you experience unusual thirst, dryness of the mouth, lethargy or drowsiness. Do not stop taking the tablets without consulting your doctor. Please feel free to contact me should you require any further information. Yours sincerely,

Pharmacist

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

83

ANSWERS – WRITING SUBTEST

OET – SAMPLE

Physiotherapists – Letter of Referral Ms. Barbara Blunt Physiotherapy Department St. Stephen’s Rehabilitation Centre Bond St Burwood 3125

6 January, 1997

Dear Ms. Blunt, Thank you for agreeing to take over the physiotherapy management of Mr. John Browning. Mr. Browning, a 52 year old Credit Manager, was admitted to hospital for an elective left total knee replacement on 16 December, 1996, following many years of chronic pain. He has a past history of osteoarthritis, instability and intermittent locking of the left knee following a career as a soccer player. He lives with his wife and was previously independent but walked with a walking stick. Post-operatively the X-ray report showed a good position. Mr. Browning commenced walking with crutches and a Zimmer splint, partial weight bearing on 20 December, 1996, but he had persistently poor quadriceps strength and difficulty gaining knee flexion. A manipulation under anaesthetic was performed on 5 January, 1997, and he now has 60 degrees knee flexion and a quadriceps lag of 10 degrees. He walks independently with crutches. Mr. Browning has an appointment with the specialist on 6 February, 1997. Please do not hesitate to contact me should you require any further information about this patient. Yours sincerely,

Amy Brown Physiotherapist Royal York Hospital

84

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OET – SAMPLE

ANSWERS – WRITING SUBTEST

Podiatrist – Letter of Referral Ms. Joanne Smythe 4 Embank Arcade Blackburn 3130 Dear Ms. Smythe, I am writing to refer Mrs Emily-Jane Smith, a patient of mine, to you. Mrs Smith is a 70 year old widow who has recently been diagnosed as a non-insulin dependent diabetic. Her diabetes is currently being controlled by a combination of diet and medication. On her Doctor’s recommendation patient first visited my rooms on 12th January, last, for me to check her feet. At this time there were no problems. Then on 24th July patient visited me again for her six monthly check-up. During this visit patient reported a painless swelling on the dorsum of her right foot which I diagnosed as a ganglion. At this time, although no treatment was given I recommended that Mrs Smith visit a podiatrist every three months for the monitoring of this condition and any other side-effects resulting from her diabetes. Reason for this referral is that Mrs Smith intends to move house in one month’s time, to live with her unmarried daughter in Blackburn. Should you require any further information about Mrs Smith’s condition please do not hesitate to contact me. Yours sincerely,

Marilyn Gibson Podiatrist

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

85

ANSWERS – WRITING SUBTEST

OET – SAMPLE

Radiographers – Reply to a letter of complaint

26 July, 1997

Dear Dr. Smith, I am writing in response to your letter concerning Mr. Robert’s letter of complaint. In addition, for your information, I have included a copy of a portion of the patient log for Saturday 20 July. In the letter from Mr. Roberts there is a statement that his son was kept waiting in Casualty from 4:30 to 6:00 because the casualty sister was unable to contact me on the pager. As you can see from the log, the pager was working. I received only one page from Casualty at 5:50 for the patient. When I have had to X-ray Casualty patients prior to Tim, Casualty either contacted me by phone or sent the patient around to the X-ray department. I cannot explain why the other two pagers from Casualty were not received by me. Mr. Roberts states that I was rude and handled Tim roughly. The day was very busy, and this, combined with the next radiographer appearing late for the next shift, may have combined to make me appear rude. Because Tim was in so much pain I attempted to X-ray his arm without any immobilisation. However, because he was moving so much, I eventually had to use sandbags to keep his arm still. I did place the sandbags carefully because it was obvious that Tim had a “nasty” fracture and I did not wish to worsen his condition. I did ask Tim to keep his arm still and explained that the X-ray would be finished more quickly if he kept still. I do hope this information is helpful in your investigation of this patient’s father’s complaint. Yours sincerely,

L. Krauss

86

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ANSWERS – WRITING SUBTEST

Speech Pathologists – Letter of Assessment

Dr. A. Street Bayside Nursing Home Bay City 3153

12 June, 1997

Dear Dr. Street, Re: Ms. Helen Walsh Thank you for your referral for Dysphagia assessment of your patient Ms. Helen Walsh. Oral-motor evaluation indicated significant lower motor neuron impairments involving cranial nerves IX, X, XII. The oral stage of the patient’s swallowing was mildly impaired, particularly due to reduced tongue mobility and control. Pharyngeal stage of swallowing was severely impaired: no gag reflex, no voluntary or involuntary cough, patient unable to cope with her saliva, infrequent spontaneous swallowing and markedly decayed swallow reflex with minimal laryngeal elevation. Assessment results indicated severely impaired protective mechanisms to cope with any oral intake, and hence she is at great risk of aspiration pneumonia. It is highly advisable to maintain Ms. Helen Walsh nil orally and to continue gastrostomy feeding. Ms. Walsh appears to exhibit a very poor prognosis for return to oral feeding. If you require any further information or have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact me. Yours sincerely,

A. Bendall Speech Pathologist

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

87

ANSWERS – WRITING SUBTEST

OET – SAMPLE

Veterinarians – Letter of Referral

Dr. Black Suburbia Veterinary Practice Suburbia 3773

3 January, 1997

Dear Dr. Black, Mrs. Dee’s dog, “Fru-Fru”, presented here at 10 pm last evening, with a history of inappetence, vomiting and diarrhoea for the last three days and with weakness tonight. Clinical examination revealed depression, lethargy, generalised muscle weakness, a normal temperature, a very weak pulse and a braducardia (HR 80 bpm). I estimated 10% dehydration. Available blood tests were performed confirming dehydration, and revealing a uraemia and mild hypoglycaemia. An ECG demonstrated small P waves, tall spiked T waves and a prolonged PR interval. A tentative diagnosis includes acute pancreatitis, renal failure and gastroenteritis. Given the history, ECG changes and the severity of the clinical signs I elected to begin treatment for Addisons Disease. Base-line blood samples were taken for you to submit to the laboratory. The dog was admitted, had an IV catheter placed and was given 1 litre of 0.9% isotonic saline. 2 mg Doca was given by IM injection and 200 mg Prednisolone Sodium Succinate given IV. The owner is aware that her dog needs further hospitalisation and monitoring with you. I have indicated that you will discuss the long term treatment options with her. Should you require any further information please do not hesitate to contact me. Yours sincerely,

Graham Bell Veterinarian

88

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