PLAB 2 / PRES 3 Consent Stations: A Practical Guide with Examples

Obtaining informed consent is a common communication skill tested in both PLAB 2 and PRES 3. These stations are not designed to assess how many legal terms you know. They assess whether you can help a patient make an informed decision in a clear, respectful, and patient-centred way.

What is informed consent?

A patient can only give valid consent if they:

Have the capacity to make the decision.
Receive enough information about the proposed investigation or treatment.
Understand the benefits, risks, and alternatives.
Make the decision voluntarily, without pressure.

Your role is to support the patient's decision, not to make it for them.

A simple structure

A useful approach is:

Explain why the procedure or treatment is being recommended.
Describe what it involves in plain English.
Discuss the main benefits.
Explain the common and important risks.
Mention reasonable alternatives, including doing nothing where appropriate.
Check the patient's understanding.
Invite questions.
Confirm the patient's decision.

Example

A patient needs a blood test.

Instead of saying:

"We need to take some blood."

Try:

"I'd recommend a blood test because it will help us understand what's causing your symptoms. The procedure involves taking a small sample of blood from a vein in your arm. The benefits are that it can guide the right treatment. The risks are usually minor, such as slight pain, bruising, or rarely infection. Before we go ahead, do you have any questions or concerns?"

Check understanding

Do not assume the patient understands.

Useful questions include:

"Does that explanation make sense?"
"Would you like me to go over anything again?"
"Do you have any questions before making your decision?"

If the patient refuses

Patients have the right to refuse treatment if they have the capacity to make the decision.

Stay calm and explore their reasons.

For example:

"Would you mind telling me what concerns you about the procedure? I'd like to understand your perspective."

Address misunderstandings, answer questions honestly, and respect the patient's final decision.

Common mistakes

Avoid:

Using medical jargon.
Rushing through the explanation.
Ignoring the patient's concerns.
Failing to discuss important risks.
Pressuring the patient into agreeing.
Forgetting to check understanding.

Examiner tip

Examiners are looking for clear communication, empathy, and shared decision-making. A calm, structured explanation usually scores better than a long, technical one.

Remember that consent is a conversation, not a signature on a form.

Key takeaway

Good consent is about helping patients make informed decisions with confidence.

If you explain information clearly, explore concerns, answer questions, and respect the patient's choice, you will demonstrate the communication skills expected in both PLAB 2 and PRES 3.

Practise consent stations with realistic AI patients

The best way to improve communication is through practice. Try realistic PLAB 2 and PRES 3 stations with examiner-style feedback on OSCEPilot and build confidence before exam day.