title: The surgical error examination is a novel method for objective technical knowledge assessment.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Objective analysis of surgical skill is necessary. A novel method of assessment using simple error analysis in synthetic models is examined for construct validity.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two examination protocols were devised using synthetic models. These contained either a purpose made error or were representative of good surgical practice. Protocol one contained models of skin closure and minor operations. Protocol two in addition more complex procedures. Face validity was established by the approval of senior surgeons. Junior surgeons were recruited to undertake the assessment. A p value of less than 0.05 was deemed to be significant.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Eighty-nine surgeons were recruited. Both protocol one and two were able to discriminate between groups at statistically significant levels.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Construct validity has been established by showing that error analysis is able to distinguish surgeons with varying levels of experience.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgical Oncology and Technology and Medicine, Imperial College Faculty of Medicine, 10th Floor QEQM Wing, St. Mary's Hospital, South Wharf Rd., W2 1NY, London, United Kingdom. s.bann@ic.ac.uk
authors.forename: Simon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bann
authors.forename: Vivek
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Datta
authors.forename: Mansoor
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Khan
authors.forename: Ara
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Darzi
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence; D062109:Dermatologic Surgical Procedures; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate; D004521:Educational Measurement / Q000379:methods*; D013502:General Surgery / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D019300:Medical Errors / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013511:Minor Surgical Procedures; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D015397:Program Evaluation; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis