⚠ SEPTEMBER 2026: PLAB transitions to the updated MLA Content Map — both AKT and CPSA components. View PLAB MLA Mastery Programme →
MD Acumen
CPSA · Clinical Skills Assessment OSCE Format

PLAB MLA CPSA — Sample Teaching Resources

Simulated cases demonstrating consultation structure, patient-centred communication, safety-netting, and the professional standards expected at Foundation Year 2 level. All cases independently authored for teaching purposes.

Full Programme Details PLAB MLA AKT Sample Questions →
Integrity notice: These are independently authored simulated stations for teaching. We do not use, request, or distribute recalled exam content. Educational use only (not clinical advice). No guarantee of exam success. Candidates must book PLAB directly with the GMC and comply with GMC regulations.

The MD Acumen OSCE Method

Aligned to typical OSCE domains: data gathering, clinical management, interpersonal skills

1

Read & Clarify

Read task, clarify the brief, prioritise risks

2

Structure & Rapport

Open → focused, ICE + empathy

3

Clinical Reasoning

Differentials, red flags, ABCDE

4

Plan & Safety

Next steps, safety-net & close

Avoid: sounding scripted, missing the task, unsafe reassurance, poor closure.

Six Sample OSCE Cases

Case summaries are intentionally concise — enough to demonstrate teaching quality without disclosing full station packs

Small Cohort Approach Human-Verified Safety-First
🛡️Safeguarding

Adult Safeguarding: Suspected Domestic Abuse

8 mins · No examination · Risk assessment

Candidate Task
Explore context sensitively; check immediate safety and fear.
Assess risk to dependants; clarify confidentiality limits.
Agree a safety plan and signpost to specialist support.
What Examiners Reward
Trauma-informed, non-judgemental questioning.
Clear escalation thresholds and documentation plan.
Practical safety-netting and follow-up.
💬Communication

Breaking Bad News: Liver Cirrhosis

8 mins · SPIKES · Safety-net · Shared decisions

Candidate Task
Check understanding; deliver news clearly, in small chunks.
Explain likely causes/complications and next steps.
Offer realistic support without guarantees.
Common Pitfalls
Over-talking or sounding scripted.
False reassurance / certainty.
Missing red flags and follow-up plan.
🫁Breaking Bad News

CXR Suspicious for Lung Malignancy

8 mins · Urgent referral · Empathy

Candidate Task
Explain further tests required (avoid definitive labels).
Outline next investigations and referral process.
Safety-net symptoms and arrange follow-up.
Interpersonal Skills
Pause, listen, validate emotion, check understanding.
Use plain language and avoid jargon.
Offer support resources.
🔬Sexual Health

Gonorrhoea: Management & Partner Notification

8 mins · Non-judgemental · Confidentiality

Candidate Task
Deliver diagnosis clearly; brief relevant sexual history.
Explain management steps and STI screening.
Discuss partner notification options.
Professionalism
Appropriate confidentiality statements (not scripted).
Respectful language; consent and shared decisions.
Document and safety-net.
🧠Mental Health

Low Mood: Suicide Risk Assessment

8 mins · Direct questions · Crisis pathway

Candidate Task
Ask about ideation, intent, plan, and means access.
Assess protective factors and supports.
Agree safe plan and clear follow-up / referral route.
Clinical Management
Escalate appropriately based on risk.
Safety-net: when to seek urgent help.
Document risk assessment and decisions.
📞Telephone Station

Headache Phone Consult: Likely Migraine

8 mins · SOCRATES · Red flags

Candidate Task
Structured headache history + red flags.
Explain likely diagnosis; self-care + medications.
Clear return precautions and follow-up plan.
Efficiency Markers
Time management: avoid over-exploring irrelevant detail.
Check understanding; concise closing summary.
Practical, specific safety-netting.

Tip: Many candidates lose marks by missing the station task or using over-rehearsed "stock phrases".

MD Acumen

Ready to Begin?

Explore the PLAB MLA Mastery programme or view our AKT sample resources.

PLAB MLA Mastery Programme PLAB MLA AKT Sample Questions
Disclaimer: Educational content only (not clinical advice). No guarantee of examination success. Candidates must book PLAB examinations directly with the GMC and comply with GMC regulations.