Many PLAB 2 candidates know their medicine and still lose marks on how they communicate. Stations often combine a clinical task with a communication or ethical challenge: breaking bad news, an angry relative, a request that breaks confidentiality, or a patient who refuses treatment.
A method that works for most scenarios
- Listen first. Ask what the person understands and what worries them.
- Acknowledge emotion in a sentence before explaining.
- Explain in plain words, in small pieces, and check understanding.
- Respect their choices if they have capacity, and explain the risks.
- Be honest. Never invent reassurance or hide an error.
- Agree the next steps and who to contact; document and escalate as needed.
Common scenario types
| Scenario | Key principle |
|---|---|
| Breaking bad news | Private setting, SPIKES, pause for emotion |
| Refusal of treatment | Assess capacity, explain consequences, respect a capacitous decision |
| Confidentiality requests | Share only what is needed, with consent unless a legal or safety exception applies |
| Medical error or near miss | Duty of candour: be open, apologise, explain, report |
| Angry or distressed relative | Stay calm, acknowledge feelings, do not get defensive |
The principles behind these answers come from Good Medical Practice. Learn the structures in communication frameworks, practise out loud with a study partner and read about the exam on the PLAB 2 page.
Related guides
General education, reviewed 24 October 2026. Guidance changes: confirm with the official sources. Not medical, legal or immigration advice.