Free PLAB 2 Resources

GMC-aligned study materials, sample scenarios, and exam frameworks — all free

Sample Scenario: Chest Pain History Taking

Opening: "Good morning, I'm Dr. [Name]. I'd like to talk to you about the chest pain you've been experiencing. Is that okay?"

History of Presenting Complaint:
• Onset: When did it start? Sudden or gradual?
• Character: "Can you describe the pain?" (sharp, dull, crushing, burning)
• Location: "Where exactly is the pain? Does it radiate anywhere?"
• Timing: "How long does it last? Is it constant or intermittent?"
• Severity: "On a scale of 1-10, how severe is it?"
• Exacerbating/Relieving: "What makes it worse? What makes it better?"
• Associated symptoms: Shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, palpitations

ICE:
• "What do you think might be causing this?"
• "Is there anything in particular you're worried about?"
• "What were you hoping we might do today?"

Risk Factors: Smoking, hypertension, diabetes, family history, cholesterol, obesity, exercise

Sample Scenario: Breaking Bad News

SPIKES Framework:

S — Setting: Privacy, sitting down, tissues available, no interruptions

P — Perception: "Before I share the test results, can you tell me what you understand about your condition so far?"

I — Invitation: "Would you like me to tell you exactly what we found, or would you prefer a general overview first?"

K — Knowledge: Use simple language, give warning shot: "I'm afraid the news is not what we were hoping for..."

E — Empathy: "I can see this is very difficult to hear. It's completely understandable to feel this way."

S — Strategy: "Here's what we can do next..." Discuss treatment options, support, follow-up