OSCE consultation structure
PLAB pack: OSCE station
Theory
Theory 1: Station focus
OSCE consultation tests structure, rapport, ICE, red flags and shared plan.
- Opening and consent.
- Ideas, concerns and expectations.
- Summary, plan and safety-net.
Theory 2: Reasoning path
A good OSCE answer is structured and patient-centered, not a checklist dump.
- Identify the immediate risk.
- Choose the safest first action.
- Explain why the distractors are weaker.
Theory 3: Expected output
The candidate should demonstrate a complete consultation flow with safe closure.
- Open and signpost.
- Explore ICE and red flags.
- Summarize, plan and safety-net.
Vocabulary and model dialogue
Doctor: What were you most worried this could be?
Patient: I was worried it might be something serious.
Doctor: Thank you. I will explain what I think and when you should seek urgent help.
Practice
Practice 1: Stem analysis
A patient attends with a non-urgent symptom and wants explanation and a plan.
Output: Age, timing, symptoms, vital risk and one missing question.Practice 2: First action
Choose the first safe action: Open, confirm identity, explain the consultation and invite the main concern.
Output: One action plus clinical reason.Practice 3: Differential
Compare Structured patient-centered consultation with two alternatives.
Output: Three-line differential table.Practice 4: Exam response
Write a consultation script with signposting and safety-net.
Output: 8-10 line script.Interactive tasks
Interactive 1: Red-flag sort
Sort findings from "OSCE consultation structure" into urgent and non-urgent details.
Interactive 2: Distractor removal
Remove the least plausible option from: Immediate lecture without questions, Close before plan, Ignore patient concerns.
Interactive 3: Timed response
Give a 90-second exam answer using the station output steps.
Quiz
PLAB 2 expects a patient-centered structure with safety-netting.
The safest answer addresses the immediate clinical risk first.
Exam documentation must record the detail that changes management.
Safe exams include patient understanding and escalation advice.
The station expects a short, defensible clinical chain.