The HappyMed Video Glasses were developed to provide patients with a pleasant and calming audiovisual distraction during medical procedures. A survey of 32 patients and users conducted at Franziskus-Hospital Harderberg in 2018 by Dennis Biesler showed that this innovative technology has a positive effect on the acceptance of regional anesthesia, as well as on the overall satisfaction of patients and doctors. In addition, savings in medication were observed.
The patients surveyed underwent the following medical procedures under regional anesthesia in combination with a HappyMed Video Glasses:
- Surgery for knee and hip prostheses
- Surgery for radius fractures
- Laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Preference: regional anesthesia vs. general anesthesia
One part of the survey looked at which anesthesia method patients prefer when they are able to use the HappyMed Video Glasses:
- 78% of patients would prefer regional anesthesia over general anesthesia if they could use the HappyMed Video Glasses during surgery.
- 94% of patients would prefer HappyMed over a sedative.
A Study from 2019 additionally showed that the cost of regional anesthesia is around 75 euros lower than that of general anesthesia. This underlines the economic benefits when patients prefer regional anesthesia, especially in combination with the HappyMed Video Glasses, which additionally reduce the need for sedatives.
These results show that audiovisual sedation during regional anesthesia is a sound and effective alternative to general anesthesia for patients.
Medication savings
Another important aspect of the survey was examining the medication savings achieved through the use of the HappyMed Video Glasses:
- Patients who used the video glasses required fewer analgesics and narcotics
- 18 out of 30 patients needed no sedative medication at all thanks to HappyMed.
These medication savings mean not only a reduction in costs but also fewer side effects and overall safer treatment for patients.
Satisfaction with the available films
The selection of films is an important aspect in ensuring that patients enjoy using the HappyMed Video Glasses:
- 89% of patients found it easy to find a video they liked.
- 46% of patients reported that they became fully immersed in the video they had chosen and completely forgot their surroundings.
This high level of satisfaction with the range of films underlines the effectiveness of the video glasses, which provide patients with a pleasant distraction during surgery.
Impact on the treatment situation
All doctors reported that the treatment situation was more relaxed thanks to HappyMed and that they enjoy working with HappyMed.
Conclusion
In the survey, the HappyMed Video Glasses proved to be a valuable addition to medical procedures by supporting the preference for regional anesthesia, increasing satisfaction with the film experience and improving the treatment situation for doctors and patients alike. The significant savings in medication and the reduction in anesthesia costs of around 75 euros per patient further underline the economic benefits of this technology. With a high satisfaction rate and positive feedback, the HappyMed Video Glasses can be regarded as an effective means of improving patient wellbeing.
Press release from Franziskus-Hospital Harderberg:: https://www.noz.de/lokales/georgsmarienhuette/artikel/-20720275
