Consultation Guide: PSA Test Request.

In the UK, PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) testing in asymptomatic men is a nuanced topic that tests a GP’s ability to balance patient autonomy, clinical guidelines, negotiation skills and effective communication. For International Medical Graduates (IMGs), navigating this type of consultation within a British cultural framework can feel unfamiliar at first — but with the right strategies, you can approach it with clarity and confidence. This article unpacks a common scenario seen in the primary care in the UK — an asymptomatic man requesting a PSA blood test — and helps you approach it with cultural competency, clinical accuracy, and exam-smart consultation skills. MIND THE GAP (Cultural differences): This is unlike the healthcare seeking attitude that IMGs experience in their home country, where prostate health awareness might be lower than the UK society, and patients usually contact the doctor for other symptoms, as opposed to directly contacting the doctor for specific PSA. As part of building our cultural competencies in the UK, GP trainees should be aware of reasons why PSA tests are requested.

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