What this area covers
GP registrars sit clinical assessments with consultation-style cases, such as the RACGP Clinical Competency Exam and ACRRM assessments. Formats change, so check the RACGP and ACRRM websites. This page explains how our 15-minute consultation cases help you practise this area with a study partner.
High-yield topics
| Topic | What to know |
|---|---|
| Rapport and structure | Open, explore, explain, plan, close |
| Breaking bad news | SPIKES structure |
| Young people | Confidentiality and HEADSS |
| Difficult conversations | Anger, refusal, complaints |
| Shared decisions | Options and preferences |
Worked example
Worked example · Bad news
Which step in SPIKES comes right after finding out what the patient already understands?
- A Invitation
- B Strategy and summary
- C Emotions
- D Setting
- E Knowledge
Show the reasoning
Answer A. SPIKES: Setting, Perception, Invitation, Knowledge, Emotions, Strategy and summary. After perception, ask how much the patient wants to know.
A short study plan
| Week | Focus |
|---|---|
| 1 | Read the domain and run 2 cases |
| 2 | Run cases timed with a partner |
| 3 | Review marking guides and repeat weak cases |
Do a short timed set most days and review every explanation, including the options you ruled out.
Common traps
- Running out of time before the plan.
- Ignoring the patient's agenda.
- No safety-netting.
Free sample communication stations
Candidate briefs from our GP clinical cases station bank. Read the task, plan your 8 minutes, then open the marking checklist.
Teenager with low mood (15 minutes)
You are a GP in a regional town. Jess Morgan, 16, has come alone. Her notes show asthma only.
Task: Assess her presenting concern and plan management (15 minutes).
The role-player script, examiner notes, marking checklist and model approach open with a plan.
Abnormal mammogram result (15 minutes)
You are a GP. Mrs Helen Park, 54, had a BreastScreen mammogram. The assessment clinic biopsy has shown a 14 mm invasive ductal carcinoma, grade 2, in the left breast. The report has come to you. Mrs Park has come for the result, alone.
Task: Give the result and discuss next steps (15 minutes).
The role-player script, examiner notes, marking checklist and model approach open with a plan.
Practise communication stations free
Every communication station in our bank
The bank holds 4 communication stations across 3 specialties: Children and young people (1), Professional and ethical (2), Women's and men's health (1). Each one has a candidate brief, role-player script, examiner notes, marking checklist and model approach.
- Abnormal mammogram resultWomen's and men's health
- Disclosure of family violenceProfessional and ethical
- Request for a work certificateProfessional and ethical
- Teenager with low moodChildren and young people
Common questions
How long are the cases?
Our consultation cases run for 15 minutes, with a candidate brief, role-player script and marking guide.
Can I practise alone?
Cases work best with a study partner playing the patient and another marking.
How many communication stations are in the GP clinical cases bank?
There are 4 communication stations, each with a candidate brief, role-player script, examiner notes, a marking checklist and a model approach.
Can I try communication stations for free?
Free stations are available in other areas; create a free account to try them first.
How should I practise communication stations?
Work with a study partner: one plays the patient using the role-player script, the other marks with the checklist. Keep strictly to 2 minutes of reading and 8 minutes in the station.
Which sources is this communication page based on?
It summarises current Australian guidance, including RACGP Fellowship exams; ACRRM assessment. Guidelines change, so always check the latest edition.
When was this communication guide last updated?
It was last reviewed on 9 November 2026. We update topic pages when the exam or Australian guidance changes.
How do I unlock all GP clinical cases stations?
Choose a GP clinical cases plan: 3 or 6 months of access, from A$349, one payment with no auto-renew. It opens every area, not just communication.
Sources
Clinical content is summarised from current Australian guidance at the date above. Guidelines change, so always check the latest edition.