What PLAB 2 risk assessment stations are

Risk-assessment stations test whether you can sensitively but thoroughly assess the danger a patient may pose to themselves or others, most often in mental-health and safeguarding scenarios. They demand directness balanced with empathy.

Topics you can practise in these stations include:

  • Low mood with suicidal thoughts
  • Weight loss
  • Sleep problem hiding domestic abuse
  • Self-harm after overdose and wrist-cutting
  • Low mood after childbirth
  • Animal bite sustained abroad
  • Binge eating and self-induced vomiting
  • Tingling hands and unsteady walking
  • Pregnant teenager
  • Flashbacks and nightmares after a crash
  • Disclosure of recent sexual assault
  • Exhausted and overwhelmed at work

How to approach risk assessment in PLAB 2

Build enough rapport to ask hard questions, then ask directly and without judgement about thoughts, plans, intent, means and protective factors. Assess risk to self and to others, screen for safeguarding concerns, and agree a clear, safe plan with appropriate escalation.

For the full consultation structure and a study plan, see the free PLAB 2 preparation guide.

What examiners reward in risk assessment stations

  • Building enough rapport to ask difficult questions
  • Asking directly about thoughts, plans, intent and means
  • Assessing risk to self and to others
  • Identifying protective factors and supports
  • Screening for safeguarding concerns
  • Agreeing a safety plan and escalating appropriately

All 12 free risk assessment stations, by specialty

Every station below is free. Click one to sit it as an eight-minute spoken consultation, then get your mark-scheme breakdown.

Psychiatry 7

Ethical / Communication 2

Infectious Diseases 1

Neurology 1

Obstetrics & Gynaecology 1

Practise other PLAB 2 skills

Or practise by specialty

Frequently asked questions

What PLAB 2 risk assessment stations come up?

Plabity's 12 free PLAB 2 risk assessment stations span every specialty and include presentations such as low mood with suicidal thoughts, weight loss, sleep problem hiding domestic abuse, self-harm after overdose and wrist-cutting, low mood after childbirth, animal bite sustained abroad, binge eating and self-induced vomiting, tingling hands and unsteady walking, pregnant teenager, flashbacks and nightmares after a crash, disclosure of recent sexual assault, exhausted and overwhelmed at work. Each runs as an eight-minute spoken consultation marked to the PLAB rubric.

Are these PLAB 2 risk assessment stations free?

Yes. All 12 are free to practise. You sign up with an email address, with no card required.

How are the stations marked?

Each station is marked across the three PLAB domains: data gathering, clinical management and interpersonal skills. You get a breakdown of every criterion with quoted evidence from your own consultation, in seconds.

See also: free PLAB 2 preparation · the complete PLAB 2 guide · all free stations

Practise risk assessment stations free.

12 spoken cubicles, marked to the PLAB rubric. No card, no plan.

Start practising free