Simulated Surgery - an exam for our time? Summary of the current status and development of the MRCGP Simulated Surgery module

The Simulated Surgery module of the current MRCGP examination has been running since 1997, catering for the relatively small number of candidates who were unable to complete a video of their consultations for the consultations skills video component of the exam. This paper describes the developing methodology and rigour of the Simulated Surgery assessment, in particular the methods used to ensure its validity and reliability, while still reflecting the richness and diversity of current British general practice. The structure and nature of the assessment mean that it lends itself well to testing integrated clinical and communication skills at a standardised level of challenge, one of the aspects that the new postgraduate guidelines for assessing professional performance in primary care will need to address. © 2006 Radcliffe Publishing Limited.