PLAB 2 / PRES 3 ICE Examples: Ideas, Concerns and Expectations Explained

PLAB 2 / PRES 3 ICE Examples: 20 Natural Examples That Examiners Want to Hear

One of the most common reasons candidates lose communication marks in PLAB 2 and PRES 3 is treating ICE as a checklist instead of a conversation.

ICE stands for Ideas, Concerns, and Expectations. Examiners are not looking for candidates who simply ask three memorised questions. They want to see whether you understand the patient's perspective and use that information to guide the consultation.

What is ICE?

ICE helps you understand:

• Ideas – What does the patient think is happening?
• Concerns – What worries them the most?
• Expectations – What are they hoping will happen today?

Using ICE early often makes the rest of the consultation much easier.

Ideas

Instead of asking the same question every time, vary your wording naturally.

Examples:

• "What do you think might be causing this?"
• "Have you had any thoughts about what's going on?"
• "What crossed your mind when this started?"
• "Is there anything in particular you think this could be?"
• "Have you experienced something similar before?"

Concerns

Patients rarely volunteer their biggest worry unless you ask.

Examples:

• "Is there anything that's particularly worrying you?"
• "What concerns you most about this?"
• "Were you worried it might be something serious?"
• "Has anything specific been on your mind?"
• "What's been your biggest concern since this started?"

Expectations

Understanding expectations helps prevent misunderstandings.

Examples:

• "What were you hoping we could do today?"
• "How were you hoping I could help?"
• "Is there anything specific you were expecting from today's appointment?"
• "What would you like us to achieve today?"
• "Were you hoping for any particular treatment or advice?"

Putting ICE together naturally

Rather than firing off three separate questions, let the conversation flow.

For example:

"Can you tell me what you think might be causing these headaches?"

The patient answers.

"I can understand why that would worry you. Is there anything in particular you're concerned about?"

The patient answers.

"That's helpful to know. What were you hoping we could do for you today?"

This feels much more natural than asking three scripted questions one after another.

Common mistakes

Avoid:

• Asking all three questions mechanically.
• Interrupting the patient.
• Ignoring the answers after asking.
• Assuming every patient has concerns.
• Forgetting to respond with empathy.

Remember, ICE is not about collecting information. It is about understanding the patient's perspective.

Examiner tip

If a patient tells you they are worried about cancer, don't immediately move on to your next question.

Acknowledge their concern first.

For example:

"I can understand why that would be worrying. Let's talk through your symptoms together, and I'll explain what I think is most likely."

Simple responses like this often score better than perfectly memorised scripts.

Key takeaway

ICE should feel like a conversation, not an interrogation.

The better you understand the patient's perspective, the easier it becomes to explain your diagnosis, agree on a management plan, and build rapport—all of which are essential for success in both PLAB 2 and PRES 3.

Practise with realistic AI patients

Reading examples is useful, but communication skills improve through practice.

Try realistic PLAB 2 and PRES 3 stations with examiner-style feedback on OSCEPilot and build confidence before exam day.