University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) Situational Judgement Syllabus

What does the GMC duty of 'probity' require of doctors?

Probity means being honest, trustworthy, and acting with integrity in all professional dealings, including never falsifying records, results, or qualifications.

Under GMC guidance, what should a student or doctor do if they make a clinical mistake?

Be honest and open, admit the mistake promptly, take steps to put matters right, apologise, and report it so that it can be addressed (duty of candour).

What is the professional 'duty of candour'?

The duty to be open and honest with patients when something goes wrong with their treatment or care that causes, or could cause, harm or distress, including offering an apology.

What is the general rule on patient confidentiality in medical practice?

Information about a patient must be kept confidential and only shared with those involved in their care or with the patient's consent, unless disclosure is required by law or justified in the public interest.

Give an example of when patient confidentiality may justifiably be broken.

When there is a serious risk of harm to the patient or others (e.g. risk of serious crime, abuse, or a patient unfit to drive who continues to drive), or when required by law.

In UCAT SJT, why is gossiping about patients in public areas (e.g. a lift or canteen) inappropriate?

It breaches patient confidentiality, as others may overhear identifiable information; patient discussions should occur only in appropriate, private clinical settings.

What are the key requirements for consent to be valid?

The patient must have capacity, be given sufficient information, and give consent voluntarily (without coercion); consent must be specific to the procedure or treatment.

What is meant by a patient having 'capacity' to consent?

The ability to understand, retain, and weigh up the relevant information, and to communicate a decision; capacity is decision-specific and assumed present in adults unless shown otherwise.

Can a competent adult patient refuse treatment even if refusal may lead to harm or death?

Yes; a competent adult with capacity has the right to refuse treatment for any or no reason, and this must be respected even if the doctor disagrees.

What is 'Gillick competence' in relation to consent?

It is the principle that a child under $16$ can consent to their own treatment if they have sufficient understanding and intelligence to fully appreciate what is involved, without needing parental consent.

In UCAT SJT, why is accepting an expensive personal gift from a patient generally problematic?

It can compromise professional objectivity, blur professional boundaries, and create a conflict of interest or perception of favouritism; significant gifts should usually be politely declined or declared.

What is the professional stance on forming romantic or sexual relationships with current patients?

It is prohibited; pursuing a personal or sexual relationship with a current patient is a serious breach of professional boundaries that abuses the doctor-patient trust.

In UCAT SJT, why is it inappropriate to give a friend or relative medical advice or prescriptions as a doctor?

Treating people close to you compromises objectivity and proper assessment; the GMC advises against prescribing for yourself or those close to you except in emergencies.

What should a medical student do if a patient mistakenly believes they are a qualified doctor?

Politely correct the misunderstanding and clarify their role as a student, because honesty about identity and role is essential to maintaining patient trust and valid consent.

In UCAT SJT, what is the appropriate first response when you notice a patient appears distressed or upset?

Acknowledge their distress, ask open questions, listen empathetically, and offer support or help, rather than ignoring it or dismissing their feelings.

If a colleague or fellow student seems to be struggling emotionally or appears depressed, what is a good UCAT SJT response?

Approach them with empathy, listen non-judgementally, and encourage or help them to seek appropriate support, while escalating if there is any risk to safety.

In UCAT SJT, what should you do if a patient discloses thoughts of self-harm or suicide?

Take it seriously, stay with or support the patient, and ensure it is escalated promptly to a senior or appropriate professional; risk to life must not be ignored or kept secret.

Why is recognising and acting on 'red flag' risk situations prioritised in UCAT SJT?

Because patient safety is paramount; actions that protect a person from serious or immediate harm are generally rated very appropriate and very important.

What core communication principle should guide responses when a patient is angry or confrontational in UCAT SJT?

Remain calm and professional, listen to understand the underlying concern, show empathy, and address the issue without becoming defensive or dismissive.

In UCAT SJT, why is empathy considered a key element of good communication?

Empathy helps build trust, makes patients feel understood and respected, and improves cooperation and outcomes; it is central to patient-centred care.

What is the appropriate way to communicate with a patient who does not understand medical jargon?

Use clear, plain language, avoid jargon, check their understanding, and allow them to ask questions, ensuring information is accessible to them.

In UCAT SJT teamwork scenarios, what is the appropriate response if you disagree with a colleague's plan?

Raise your concern respectfully and constructively with the colleague directly, focusing on patient safety and reasoning, rather than ignoring it or being confrontational.

What does appropriate escalation up the medical hierarchy mean in UCAT SJT?

Raising concerns or seeking help from a more senior or appropriate person (e.g. a senior colleague, supervisor, or registrar) when an issue is beyond your competence or authority to resolve alone.

In UCAT SJT, if you witness a senior colleague behaving unsafely or unprofessionally, what is the appropriate action?

You should raise the concern (whistleblowing duty) through appropriate channels, prioritising patient safety; seniority does not excuse unsafe practice and concerns should not be ignored.

Why is 'going straight to a senior/consultant or the GMC' often rated 'appropriate but not ideal' rather than 'very appropriate' in minor UCAT SJT scenarios?

Because minor issues should usually first be addressed directly with the person involved or a more immediate supervisor; over-escalating a small matter skips proportionate, local resolution.

In UCAT SJT, what makes an action that addresses patient safety typically rate highly on appropriateness?

Because protecting patients from harm aligns with the doctor's first duty; actions that safeguard or do not compromise patient safety are generally very appropriate.

When judging the 'importance' of a consideration in UCAT SJT, what type of factor is usually rated highly?

Factors directly relating to patient safety, wellbeing, professional duty, and honesty are usually 'very important', while self-interested or irrelevant factors are 'not important'.

In UCAT SJT importance questions, why are considerations about avoiding personal embarrassment or getting into trouble usually rated low?

Because they are self-serving and do not relate to patient welfare or professional duty; decisions should be driven by patient interests, not personal convenience.

What is an effective strategy for reasoning to the keyed answer in UCAT SJT when unsure between two ratings?

Ask whether the action helps or harms the patient and whether it upholds professional values; rank options relative to each other and use partial-credit logic to choose the closest appropriate rating.

Why should you avoid rating every SJT option as an extreme ('very appropriate' or 'very inappropriate')?

Many real actions fall into the moderate middle categories; the expert panel expects nuanced judgement, so over-using extremes reduces agreement with the keyed answers and lowers your band.

What single overarching principle helps reason toward the keyed answer across most UCAT SJT scenarios?

Prioritise patient safety, honesty, and professionalism, address problems proportionately and directly, never ignore concerns, and act within the limits of your role while escalating when needed.