Practical Tips to pass PLAB 2

Practical Tips to pass PLAB 2

  • UNDERSTAND THE INSTRUCTIONS GIVEN

Each station is designed to test your ability to apply knowledge and care for patients. Examiners have noted that some candidates do not grasp what the station is about. Candidates who are not clear what is being asked are at risk of not completing the task at hand. This leads to poor performance. In the one and a half minutes you have between scenarios, make sure you read the instructions and patient information carefully. It is worth reading the instruction more than once to check your understanding. Do not assume you know the station because you have practiced a similar scenario. Examiners have a bank of scenarios with variations on different topics. It is paramount you check that you understand what you are being asked to do before stepping in a station. Envision yourself performing the task before the station starts. If you have already stepped in the room and find yourself unsure about the instructions, don’t be afraid to look at them again. They will also be available in the room.

  • PREPARE FOR PSYCHIATRIC STATIONS

Psychiatric stations are typically feared by candidates who may have limited experience carrying out mental health assessment. 1 in 4 people in the UK will experience a mental health each year. Examiners regularly test candidates’ ability to manage patient with mental health problems. Make sure you are competent in managing patients presenting with anxiety, low mood, psychotic features and alcohol abuse. You need to be sensitive and show good interpersonal skills during consultation. Like medical history, eliciting a psychiatric history requires structure. How confident are you in performing a mental state examination? A key skill in psychiatric station is to be able to assess suicide risk. The Mental Health Act (1983) is a legislation that covers the assessment, treatment and rights of people with a mental health disorder. Patients at risk of harm to themselves or others can be detained under the Mental Health Act for assessment and treatment. It is important you have a sound understanding of mental health in the UK.

  • ACUTE CARE MANAGEMENT

Recognition and management of acutely ill patient are competences regularly tested in PLAB 2. Acute care requires a different approach to routine consultations. If you are called to see a patient suffering with a life-threatening condition, it’s important to stay in control and keep your calm. Whenever you deal with an acutely ill patient, you need to be systematic in your assessment. Use Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure (ABCDE) approach to assessing the acutely unwell or collapsed patients. You need to show you can work at the same level as a Foundation Year 2 doctor to pass PLAB 2. The role of the FY2 doctor in ED is to carry an initial assessment, stabilize the patient and prioritise tasks according to clinical urgency. Formulate management and recognizes when a 12 lead ECG, blood glucose and arterial blood gas are indicated.

Examiners have noted candidates do not always know the correct protocols in emergency management situations. It is important to familiarize yourself with resuscitation guidelines and know how to apply protocols effectively. Do you know the protocol for sepsis, anaphylaxis or trauma? Be prepared to apply BLS and show your capacity to provide Trauma care. Good preparation is necessary to be able to manage acutely ill patient in PLAB 2. Candidates need to develop a structured approach and apply the correct emergency management protocol.