PLAB 2 communication with relatives stations: a complete guide

Relatives stations put you in front of someone who is not the patient but is often more frightened than they are. The examiner wants to see honest, clear information-giving, genuine empathy, and an awareness of confidentiality — all under emotional pressure.

What these stations test

You may be asked to update a relative on a patient’s condition, explain a diagnosis or decision, or handle a family’s concerns. The skills assessed are heavily interpersonal: building rapport, responding to emotion, and being honest without false reassurance.

A structure for talking to relatives

1. Establish who they are and what they already understand.
2. Where relevant, be mindful of patient consent and confidentiality.
3. Explain the situation clearly and honestly, in plain language.
4. Acknowledge and respond to their emotions before moving on.
5. Agree what happens next and how they will be kept informed.

Respond to emotion before information

When a relative is upset, more facts rarely help. Name the emotion (“I can see this is really frightening”), allow a pause, and only continue when they are ready. This single move lifts the Interpersonal domain more than anything else.

Confidentiality matters

You cannot share confidential information about a competent adult without their consent. If a relative asks for details you are not in a position to share, explain why kindly rather than refusing bluntly — examiners are watching for this awareness.

Common pitfalls

• Giving false reassurance about outcomes you cannot promise.
• Burying a frightened relative in clinical detail.
• Ignoring obvious emotional cues.
• Breaching confidentiality, or being coldly rigid about it.

Practise relatives stations with emotionally responsive AI characters on ZWIP, and use the feedback to check you are responding to emotion and keeping families honestly informed.