Sample Role Play |
Voluntary Surgical Contraception
Directions
Three participants in your group will assume (or be assigned) roles. One will be a clinician, the other two will be clients. Participants taking part in the role play should spend a few minutes reading the background information and preparing for the exercise. The observers in the group also should read the background information so that they can participate in the small group discussion following the role play.
Participants Roles
Clinician: The clinician is a nurse who, although knowledgeable about family planning and counseling, does not feel completely comfortable discussing vasectomy, particularly with male clients.
Client: The client is 34 years old and has five living children. She has also had four babies that died in infancy. Her last pregnancy 3 years ago was extremely difficult and both she and the baby almost died during delivery. The doctors have told her that it would be very dangerous for her to get pregnant again.
Situation
The client and her husband agree that sterilization is a good option for them, but are unsure who should be sterilized. They have come to the clinic today to get more information so that they can make a decision as soon as possible. The client is worried that if she is sterilized she will become fat and lazy and unable to care for all her children. Her husband has heard that vasectomy will make him weak and unable to work in the fields or support his family.
Focus of the Role Play
The focus of the role play is on the interaction between the clinician and the clients. The clinician needs to provide information on tubal occlusion and vasectomy (even though she is rather uncomfortable) that will address the clients’ misconceptions and assist them to make a decision. The clients feel uncomfortable at times as well, due to the clinician’s discomfort, which is noticeable. The discussion should continue until a decision is reached.
Observer Discussion Questions
How did the clinician approach the clients?
Did she present the methods in a fair and balanced manner, so as not to influence the decision?
How did the clients respond to the clinician?
How might the service provider improve her interactions with the clients?
Do you think the clients made an informed choice they will be satisfied with?