PLAB 2 / PRES 3: How to Explain Risk to Patients Clearly

Explaining risk is a communication skill that appears in many PLAB 2 and PRES 3 stations. Whether you're discussing a procedure, medication, or investigation, the examiner wants to see that you can help patients make informed decisions without causing unnecessary fear.

Why explaining risk matters

Patients deserve clear, honest information about:

The benefits of a treatment.
The possible risks.
Alternative options.
What happens if they choose not to proceed.

Your goal is to support informed decision-making, not persuade the patient.

Use plain language

Avoid medical jargon.

Instead of saying:

"There's a risk of gastrointestinal haemorrhage."

Say:

"In rare cases, this medicine can cause bleeding from the stomach or bowel."

Patients understand everyday language much better.

Keep the discussion balanced

Explain both benefits and risks.

For example:

"Most people recover well after this procedure. Like any procedure, there are some risks, including infection, bleeding, and a small chance of damage to nearby structures."

Avoid focusing only on complications.

Be honest about uncertainty

If you don't know the exact percentage, don't guess.

You can say:

"This complication is uncommon, but it's important that you know about it before deciding."

Honesty builds trust.

Check understanding

After explaining, ask:

"Does that make sense?"
"Would you like me to explain anything again?"
"What questions do you have?"

This ensures the patient has understood the information.

Common mistakes

Avoid:

Using technical language.
Overwhelming the patient with statistics.
Ignoring the benefits.
Rushing the discussion.
Assuming the patient understands.

Examiner tip

The examiner is assessing communication, not memory.

A clear, balanced explanation delivered with empathy usually scores higher than a detailed technical discussion.

Key takeaway

Patients don't expect you to remove all uncertainty.

They expect you to explain information honestly, answer questions clearly, and help them make informed decisions.

These are the communication skills that examiners are looking for in both PLAB 2 and PRES 3.

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