PLAB 2 ethical scenarios: the principles

Consent and capacity

Assume an adult has capacity unless shown otherwise. Under the Mental Capacity Act 2005, check whether the person can understand, retain, weigh and communicate a decision. If they lack capacity, act in their best interests. A patient with capacity may refuse treatment even if you disagree. Read the GMC pages on decision making and consent and mental capacity.

Confidentiality

Keep information private by default. Disclose only with consent, where the law requires it, or where the public interest in preventing serious harm outweighs it. Record your reasons. See the GMC confidentiality guidance. A patient who drives and has a condition that may affect safe driving is one example to think through.

Professional duties

Good medical practice expects honesty, including saying sorry and explaining when something has gone wrong, and raising concerns about a colleague who may be unwell or unsafe. See Good medical practice. Young people asking for contraception raise the Gillick question of whether they can understand the decision.

In the room

Stay calm, listen, state the principle in plain words, and offer a safe next step. Practise with the PLAB 2 AI practice page, and see breaking bad news in PLAB 2 for a related skill and PLAB 2 mark scheme for how the domains work.

Common questions

What are PLAB 2 ethical scenarios?

Stations where you apply GMC guidance on consent, capacity, confidentiality and professional duties while talking to a patient or colleague.

Can a patient refuse treatment in PLAB 2?

Yes, if they have capacity. You explain the risks, record the decision and keep the door open.

Which GMC guidance should I read?

Good medical practice, decision making and consent, confidentiality, and the mental capacity pages.