@article{KnoedlerBaecherKaukeNavarroetal., author = {Knoedler, Leonard and Baecher, Helena and Kauke-Navarro, Martin and Prantl, Lukas and Machens, Hans-G{\"u}nther and Scheuermann, Philipp and Palm, Christoph and Baumann, Raphael and Kehrer, Andreas and Panayi, Adriana C. and Knoedler, Samuel}, title = {Towards a Reliable and Rapid Automated Grading System in Facial Palsy Patients: Facial Palsy Surgery Meets Computer Science}, series = {Journal of Clinical Medicine}, volume = {11}, journal = {Journal of Clinical Medicine}, number = {17}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, doi = {10.3390/jcm11174998}, abstract = {Background: Reliable, time- and cost-effective, and clinician-friendly diagnostic tools are cornerstones in facial palsy (FP) patient management. Different automated FP grading systems have been developed but revealed persisting downsides such as insufficient accuracy and cost-intensive hardware. We aimed to overcome these barriers and programmed an automated grading system for FP patients utilizing the House and Brackmann scale (HBS). Methods: Image datasets of 86 patients seen at the Department of Plastic, Hand, and Reconstructive Surgery at the University Hospital Regensburg, Germany, between June 2017 and May 2021, were used to train the neural network and evaluate its accuracy. Nine facial poses per patient were analyzed by the algorithm. Results: The algorithm showed an accuracy of 100\%. Oversampling did not result in altered outcomes, while the direct form displayed superior accuracy levels when compared to the modular classification form (n = 86; 100\% vs. 99\%). The Early Fusion technique was linked to improved accuracy outcomes in comparison to the Late Fusion and sequential method (n = 86; 100\% vs. 96\% vs. 97\%). Conclusions: Our automated FP grading system combines high-level accuracy with cost- and time-effectiveness. Our algorithm may accelerate the grading process in FP patients and facilitate the FP surgeon's workflow.}, language = {en} } @article{KnoedlerDeanKnoedleretal., author = {Knoedler, Leonard and Dean, Jillian and Knoedler, Samuel and Kauke-Navarro, Martin and Hollmann, Katharina and Alfertshofer, Michael and Helm, Sabrina and Prantl, Lukas and Schliermann, Rainer}, title = {Hard shell, soft core? Multi-disciplinary and multi-national insights into mental toughness among surgeons}, series = {Frontiers in Surgery}, volume = {11}, journal = {Frontiers in Surgery}, publisher = {Frontiers}, doi = {10.3389/fsurg.2024.1361406}, pages = {7}, abstract = {Background: With the prevalence of burnout among surgeons posing a significant threat to healthcare outcomes, the mental toughness of medical professionals has come to the fore. Mental toughness is pivotal for surgical performance and patient safety, yet research into its dynamics within a global and multi-specialty context remains scarce. This study aims to elucidate the factors contributing to mental toughness among surgeons and to understand how it correlates with surgical outcomes and personal well-being. Methods: Utilizing a cross-sectional design, this study surveyed 104 surgeons from English and German-speaking countries using the Mental Toughness Questionnaire (MTQ-18) along with additional queries about their surgical practice and general life satisfaction. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were applied to investigate the variations in mental toughness across different surgical domains and its correlation with professional and personal factors. Results: The study found a statistically significant higher level of mental toughness in micro-surgeons compared to macro-surgeons and a positive correlation between mental toughness and surgeons' intent to continue their careers. A strong association was also observed between general life satisfaction and mental toughness. No significant correlations were found between the application of psychological skills and mental toughness. Conclusion: Mental toughness varies significantly among surgeons from different specialties and is influenced by professional dedication and personal life satisfaction. These findings suggest the need for targeted interventions to foster mental toughness in the surgical community, potentially enhancing surgical performance and reducing burnout. Future research should continue to explore these correlations, with an emphasis on longitudinal data and the development of resilience-building programs.}, language = {en} }