Gillick competence and contraception station

This sensitive station tests confidentiality, competence assessment and safeguarding. The examiner wants you to build trust, assess Gillick competence and apply the Fraser guidelines, while staying alert to safeguarding.

How to structure it

• Build rapport and explain confidentiality and its limits.
• Assess Gillick competence and work through the Fraser criteria.
• Sensitively screen for safeguarding — partner’s age, coercion or abuse.
• Encourage, but do not force, parental involvement.
• Provide confidential advice if competent and safe, and act on any concern.

Common pitfalls

• Being judgemental, which destroys trust.
• Skipping the safeguarding screen.
• Promising absolute confidentiality without explaining its limits.

Examiners reward a non-judgemental, trust-building approach, correct application of competence, and vigilance for safeguarding.