Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, our institution, like so many others, has been prioritizing cases and replacing in-person visits with virtual clinic platforms. In the operating room, family presence during induction and the presence of observers has also been restricted. These restrictions have led to challenges for the program described, but have also promoted creative thinking, innovative options and opportunities. In this context, we have modified the protocol, instead utilizing virtual communication with the family, who remain in the waiting area but are able to be involved with the ceremony portion after anesthesia has been safely induced and before the definitive procedure is performed. In addition, family and friends in other geographic locations may join in with no limitation to numbers, and without added risks such as contamination of sterile fields or distractions in the operating room.1 This preserves quality and safety, allows the ceremony to remain interactive and unchanged from that described, aside from family “in person” participation. This alternative may be applicable even after the pandemic abates to institutions where policy and procedures preclude “in-person” involvement with a cultural-based procedure such as this; thus, allowing a virtual family and patient focused alternative where none existed before.
Alexander Koven M.D.
Martin Koyle M.D., M.Sc.
Reference
- 1.Lee, M., Koven, A., Chua, M., & Koyle, M. Incorporating modern technology with traditional ceremony of Brit Milah during the COVID-19 pandemic: virtual Brit Milah during COVID-19 pandemic. Can Urol Assoc J. Accepted for publication. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed]