My Hospital Companion

Bedside comfort & connection.

My Hospital Companion is a gentle bedside companion for people spending time in the hospital.

Being hospitalized can feel lonely, disorienting, and hard. The app offers a small, calming space designed to help you feel more comfortable, more connected, and more able to take part in your own care.

Explore original naturescapes, color at your own pace, find moments of lightness, prepare questions for your care team, reflect on what matters to you, connect with family and friends, or simply wind down at night.

There are no accounts, no feeds, and nothing you have to complete.

It simply sits beside you and tries to make the day a little more human.

Download

Coming soon on the App Store and Google Play.

Features

Our Mission

Our mission is simple:

To make a hospital stay feel a little more human.

Being in the hospital can mean losing many of the familiar rhythms, choices, and comforts of everyday life.

My Hospital Companion was created to give some of those small moments back.

A beautiful place to look at.

Something quiet to do.

A question you want to remember during rounds.

A way for someone you love to know how they can help.

A moment to think about what matters to you.

A little space to wind down when the day is over.

The app doesn't try to replace the people caring for you or tell you what your symptoms mean. Medical care stays with your care team.

My Hospital Companion simply offers a few gentle ways to bring comfort, connection, participation, and normalcy into the hospital day.

Meet the Creator

Randy Luu, MD — Creator

Randy Luu is an Internal Medicine physician who has practiced mindfulness and meditation for over a decade. His journey began through daily meditation, dharma talks, contemplative reading, and structured mindfulness programs, including a self-compassion course designed for physicians.

Through years of caring for patients, he has developed an appreciation for caring for the whole person — including the role that nutrition, movement, mental well-being, and sleep can play alongside medical care.

Beyond patient care, Randy is involved in medical education, quality improvement, physician wellness, and healthcare technology. He serves as his department's Technology Lead as well as its Social Media and Depression Lead, with a focus on improving healthcare delivery and supporting mental health.

He created My Hospital Companion to offer a simple, approachable way for people in the hospital to feel less alone — a companion and a resource to help them through their stay.

How This App Came to Be

Randy previously created two other apps — Mantra and Tap.

Mantra helps people set a daily intention, while Tap is a guided tool for meeting difficult emotions and helping them pass. Both were designed for a broad audience.

But he kept thinking about a group that can easily feel overlooked — or reduced to “just a patient” rather than seen as a whole person: people spending time in the hospital.

A hospital stay can be unfamiliar, isolating, and overwhelming. When family, friends, and hospital staff can't always be there, he wanted to create something patients could turn to for a little comfort, normalcy, and sense of connection.

That idea was also shaped by a journey to Mongolia.

On the vast open steppe, where the land stretches toward the horizon and the sky seems almost endless, there is a sense of space that can be difficult to find in everyday life. The quiet invites reflection — on what matters, what brings comfort, and what it means to feel at peace.

Encounters with Mongolian families and the warmth and hospitality they shared deepened that feeling. There was something powerful in the simplicity of the ger: a small space that could still hold warmth, connection, shelter, and a sense of home.

Those ideas became part of the heart of My Hospital Companion — the belief that care is not only about what happens medically.

Small moments of comfort, connection, calm, and humanity matter too.

Drawing on his medical experience and technical background, Randy created the app with research-informed, intentionally simple features — from nature and moments of lightness to practical questions patients can bring to their care team.

The Logo and Colors

The visual identity of My Hospital Companion is inspired by the thin ribbon of smoke rising from a ger, the traditional Mongolian home.

The smoke holds two ideas at once: it rises freely into an open sky, yet begins at a warm hearth below.

Freedom and grounding, together.

The colors draw from the same landscape — the soft ivory of felt, the sage and muted greens of the steppe, the blue-green of the open landscape, and the warm orange glow of a hearth.

Together, they are meant to make the app feel less clinical and more like a calm place to rest.

Why These Features Are Included

My Hospital Companion is a general wellness app, not a medical treatment.

Its features were intentionally chosen around simple ideas that have been explored in research on hospital experiences, relaxation, autonomy, family engagement, nature, positive distraction, and patient participation.

Research findings are included as context — not as promises about what the app will do.

Nature

Research suggests that exposure to nature — even viewing natural scenes — may support relaxation, reduce stress, and contribute to a more comfortable hospital environment.

Research on nature exposure during hospital stays has included window views, natural light, nature imagery, soundscapes, and other approaches. A 2024 scoping review found that studies were highly varied and that overall effects appeared modest. Some reported differences in measures such as anxiety, pain, and patient satisfaction.

An early 1984 study by Roger Ulrich is often cited as a starting point for this area of research.

Sources

Guidolin K, et al. The Influence of Exposure to Nature on Inpatient Hospital Stays: A Scoping Review. 2024. PMID: 38288612.

Ulrich RS. View through a window may influence recovery from surgery. Science. 1984;224:420–421. PMID: 6143402.

Smile

Some research suggests that laughter and humor may help people feel less anxious and more at ease.

A meta-analysis of randomized trials found that laughter and humor interventions were associated with reduced anxiety in adults, although results varied between studies.

This feature simply offers small moments of lightness. It is not a treatment, and it does not suggest that a positive mood cures illness.

Source

Zhao J, Yin H, Zhang G, et al. A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials of Laughter and Humour Interventions on Depression, Anxiety and Sleep Quality in Adults. J Adv Nurs. 2019.

What Matters Now?

Being in the hospital can mean giving up many everyday choices.

What Matters Now? is an optional, private moment to notice what feels most important to you right now. Nothing is saved, and there is nothing to complete.

Research grounded in self-determination theory suggests that supporting a person's sense of autonomy and choice during a hospital stay is associated with greater well-being and more positive emotional states.

This feature is here to gently support that sense of choice, not to direct your care.

Sources

Souesme G, et al. Causality Orientations and Supportive/Controlled Environment: Understanding Their Influence on Basic Needs, Motivation for Health and Emotions in French Hospitalized Older Adults. Front Psychol. 2021.

Li Y, et al. Effects of an Autonomy-Supportive Intervention Programme (ASIP) on Self-Care, Quality of Life, and Mental Health in Heart Failure Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Qual Life Res. 2023.

Good Memories

Some research has explored reminiscence and positive recall as gentle ways of supporting well-being.

A controlled study in hospitalized older adults found modestly lower anxiety and depression with structured reminiscence during an acute stay.

A hospital trial of a more structured, journal-style gratitude exercise ("Three Good Things") did not significantly improve emotional health — one reason this is a light, optional invitation to recall something meaningful rather than a task or journal.

These are research findings, not promises about what this app will do.

Sources

Gonzalez-Senac NM, et al. Effects of Reminiscence Therapy on Anxiety and Depression During Acute Hospitalization in Older Patients. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2023.

Zehner N, et al. Prospective Pilot Study of the Three Good Things Positive Psychology Intervention in Short-Term Stay Hospitalised Patients. Postgrad Med J. 2023. (No significant improvement in emotional health.)


Winding Down

Being in the hospital can make it harder to settle and rest.

Wind Down offers a few gentle, optional ways to unwind — soft sounds, a quiet minute, and simple ways to let your breath or body settle.

Research suggests that gentle relaxation practices may help people feel calmer or more rested. Body relaxation techniques have also been studied in hospitalized patients, including people recovering after surgery and people with breathing conditions.

Everything here is optional. There's no pace to follow, no breath to hold, and nothing to finish. Skip anything that feels uncomfortable, and stop whenever you like.

These features are for general relaxation and comfort, not medical treatment.

Sources

Toussaint L, et al. Effectiveness of Progressive Muscle Relaxation, Deep Breathing, and Guided Imagery in Promoting Psychological and Physiological States of Relaxation. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2021.

Loh EW, et al. Effect of Progressive Muscle Relaxation on Postoperative Pain, Fatigue, and Vital Signs in Patients With Head and Neck Cancers: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Patient Educ Couns. 2022.

Mashhadi-Naser S, et al. A Randomized Controlled Trial to Evaluate the Progressive Muscle Relaxation Technique in Hip Fracture Patients. Sci Rep. 2024.

Turan GB, et al. The Effects of Progressive Muscle Relaxation Exercise Applied to Lung Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy on Dyspnea, Pain and Sleep Quality: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Eur J Oncol Nurs. 2024.

Maritescu A, et al. The Effects of Progressive Muscle Relaxation on Mental Health and Sleep Quality in Adults With Cystic Fibrosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Clin Med. 2025.

Color

Some research suggests that quiet activities like coloring may help people feel calmer and more relaxed.

Color is simply a gentle way to pass the time — not a treatment.

Sources

Li X, Li Y, Zhang X, Zhang H, Wu W. Digital Mandala Coloring as a Public Mental Health Tool: Psychophysiological Benefits and the Mediating Role of Flow in Anxiety Reduction Among University Students. Front Public Health. 2026;14:1743520.

Gallo LMH, Giampietro V, Choi M. The Impact of Digital Art-Making on Anxiety: A Feasibility Study. Front Psychol. 2025;16:1620583.

Pehlivan S, Dalli ÖE. The Effectiveness of Mandala Coloring on the Psychological and Physiological Symptoms in Adult Hospitalized Patients: A Meta-Analysis. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2026;26(1):220.

Dias Alves M, Olmi E, Durand JY, et al. Coloring Complex Shapes Decreases Patient Anxiety in Three Care Environments: A Pilot Study With Color Analysis. Front Psychol. 2024;15:1336202.

Liu L, Hu H, Xu J, Liu Y. Mandala-Based Art Interventions for Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms in Middle-Aged and Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Psychol. 2026;17:1877910.

Asking Your Care Team Questions

AHRQ encourages patients and families to ask questions, share concerns, and take part in conversations with their care team.

My Hospital Companion's prompts are designed to make that participation easier during rounds.

Your care team determines what is urgent and what your symptoms mean — the app never does.

Source

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), Guide to Patient and Family Engagement in Hospital Quality and Safety.

Today's Tip

Small, everyday steps can help the hospital feel a little more comfortable and familiar.

Tips may touch on things like letting in daylight, keeping glasses and hearing aids within reach, and staying oriented to the day.

Reviews of hospital care have examined simple, non-drug measures such as re-orientation, cognitive stimulation, sleep, and daylight. These are gentle, optional ideas, and anything involving your body or activity should always be checked with your care team first.

Sources

Burton JK, et al. Non-Pharmacological Interventions for Preventing Delirium in Hospitalised Non-ICU Patients. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2021.

Marcantonio ER. Delirium in Hospitalized Older Adults. N Engl J Med. 2017.

Family & Connection

AHRQ encourages patients and families to be involved in communication and care planning during a hospital stay.

These suggestions focus on everyday presence and connection. Medical care stays with the care team.

Source

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), Guide to Patient and Family Engagement in Hospital Quality and Safety.

Your Care Team

A hospital day can bring many unfamiliar faces.

This is a simple guide to who they usually are and what they do. AHRQ encourages introducing team members by name and role and supports patients in understanding who is involved in their care.

This is general information, not medical advice. Your own team can always tell you their specific role.

Source

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), Guide to Patient and Family Engagement in Hospital Quality and Safety.

Preparing to Go Home

These questions follow the spirit of AHRQ's IDEAL Discharge Planning guidance, which encourages patients and families to be active participants in planning the return home.

Your care team provides the answers — the app simply helps you ask.

Sources

AHRQ, IDEAL Discharge Planning resources.

AHRQ, Guide to Patient and Family Engagement in Hospital Quality and Safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is My Hospital Companion?

My Hospital Companion is a self-guided general wellness app for people spending time in the hospital. It offers comfort, positive distraction, opportunities for reflection, and simple tools for participating in conversations with your care team.

Who is the app for?

It was designed for people spending time in the hospital, but family and friends may also find parts of the app useful while supporting someone during a hospital stay.

Does My Hospital Companion provide medical advice?

No.

My Hospital Companion is not a medical device and does not provide medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Your care team determines what your symptoms mean, what is urgent, and what medical care is appropriate for you.

Does the app store my medical information?

No.

My Hospital Companion is not designed to collect or store medications, symptoms, vitals, laboratory results, diagnoses, or medical records.

Do I need an account?

No. There is no account or login required.

Is my information stored online?

App preferences and settings are stored locally on your device. The core app does not require information to be stored on a My Hospital Companion server.

Does the app use analytics or advertising?

No. My Hospital Companion does not include in-app analytics, behavioral tracking, or advertising SDKs.

Does the app work offline?

The core experience is designed to work without an internet connection.

How do reminders work?

If you enable reminders, they are designed to be scheduled locally on your device rather than through a My Hospital Companion server.

What should I do if I need medical help?

If you need medical help or are concerned about a change in how you're feeling, use your hospital call button or contact your care team.

If you believe you are experiencing a medical or mental health emergency, contact your care team or local emergency services immediately.

Privacy Policy

Effective Date: August 2026

My Hospital Companion is designed with privacy in mind. The app does not require an account and does not include advertising, behavioral tracking, or in-app analytics. We do not sell your personal information.

Designed to Work Offline

The app's core experience is designed to work without an internet connection, with app preferences and settings stored locally on your device.

Local App Data

Preferences and settings used by My Hospital Companion are stored locally on your device.

My Hospital Companion is not designed to collect or store your medications, symptoms, vitals, labs, diagnoses, or other personal health information.

No Accounts or Login

You do not need to create an account or provide personal information to use the app's core features.

No In-App Analytics or Advertising Tracking

My Hospital Companion does not include in-app analytics or advertising SDKs and does not use advertising identifiers to track your activity across apps or services.

Notifications

If reminders are enabled, the app is designed to schedule them locally on your device rather than through a My Hospital Companion server.

Deleting Your Data

App data stored within My Hospital Companion's local storage is removed when the app is deleted, subject to your device's operating-system and backup behavior.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will appear within the app and on this website.

Contact

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact:

Randy Luu

randyluu89@gmail.com

Age

My Hospital Companion is intended for general audiences.

Terms of Use

By using My Hospital Companion, you agree to these Terms of Use. Please read them carefully.

Purpose

My Hospital Companion is a self-guided wellness app designed to help people spending time in the hospital feel more comfortable, connected, and able to take part in their care.

It is intended for general wellness, comfort, and positive distraction only.

Not Medical Advice

My Hospital Companion is not a medical device and does not provide medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

It is not a substitute for professional care.

The app does not handle medications, symptoms, vitals, labs, or diagnoses, and it never determines what is urgent or what your symptoms mean — your care team does.

No Emergency Services

My Hospital Companion cannot provide emergency assistance.

If you need medical help or are concerned about a change in how you're feeling, use your hospital call button or contact your care team.

If you believe you are experiencing a medical or mental health emergency, contact your care team or local emergency services immediately.

Your Data

App preferences and settings are stored locally on your device, as described in the Privacy Policy.

Intellectual Property

All app content, design, graphics, photography, software, branding, and other materials within My Hospital Companion — including the original naturescapes — are protected by applicable intellectual property laws and may not be copied, reproduced, modified, or redistributed without permission from the creator.

Provided “As Is”

My Hospital Companion is provided “as is” without warranties of any kind.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, the creator and contributors shall not be liable for any damages arising from the use of, or inability to use, the app.

Acceptable Use

Please use My Hospital Companion only for lawful, personal, and non-commercial purposes.

Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms of Use from time to time. Continued use of the app after changes are made constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

Contact

Questions regarding these Terms of Use may be directed to:

Randy Luu

randyluu89@gmail.com

Support

Questions, feedback, bug reports, or feature requests?

Randy Luu

randyluu89@gmail.com