ABSTRACT
Role play can be a very useful technique to help health professionals explore difficulties that have occurred in consultations as well as rehearse or try out new skills in a safe environment. This activity between two individuals as part of a helping and learning relationship can be a powerful but safe tool. Role playing with a colleague can be an effective and useful way of working out what happened, and why, in a difficult consultation. Some people are anxious about using role play, but used properly and effectively it can be a powerful tool for change. Another use of role play is in practising new or different consultation techniques. Clinicians who have trained recently may well be familiar with actor simulators; they are often used at selection centres for GP training and as part of half-day release teaching. It is important to get out of role at the end of a role-play exercise.
