HappyMed

Based in Vienna, Austria, HappyMed was established in 2014 by Philipp Albrecht and Florian Fischer. The company's creation was inspired by co-founder Philipp Albrecht's personal, painful experience with a root canal procedure, which motivated him to find ways to make medical treatments more pleasant for patients. This personal insight into patient anxiety became the foundational idea for the company.

HappyMed provides a drug-free audiovisual sedation and patient distraction system. The core product is a certified Class I medical device consisting of video glasses paired with over-ear surround sound headphones, a media center, and a remote control. This system allows patients to immerse themselves in a selection of over 80 licensed movies, documentaries, concerts, and relaxation videos, effectively distracting them and reducing anxiety and stress before, during, and after medical procedures. The device features a battery life of over eight hours, is designed for easy disinfection, and can be used without an internet connection as all content is stored locally. The system also accommodates patients with glasses by allowing diopter adjustments for each eye.

The company operates on a rental-based business model, charging a monthly subscription of €199 which includes the complete system and film licenses. This model is necessary due to the licensing fees for the commercial use of film content, and it ensures that clients are legally protected and receive regularly updated content. HappyMed targets clinics and hospitals, particularly in departments such as anesthesiology, cardiology, and oncology, for procedures like regional anesthesia, cardiac catheterizations, and chemotherapy infusions. By providing a non-pharmacological alternative for patient relaxation, the company helps medical facilities lower medication costs, reduce risks like delirium, and potentially shorten hospital stays. Data from clinical use indicates high patient satisfaction, with 92% of patients willing to use the system again. In 2021, co-founder Florian Fischer departed for a new professional challenge, with Philipp Albrecht continuing to lead the company.

Keywords: medical device, audiovisual sedation, patient distraction, pain management, anxiety reduction, medtech, non-pharmacological, patient comfort, clinical entertainment, surgical distraction, dental anxiety, medical procedures, video glasses, healthcare experience, regional anesthesia, drug-free relaxation, patient satisfaction, clinical technology, Vienna, Austria