Pre‐procedure

ActionRationale

1. 1.Show
   Prior to shaving the patient with a razor, it is essential that the patient is assessed for their risk of bleeding. Clinical history and laboratory blood tests (including full blood count, clotting times and platelet count) should be reviewed. It would also be prudent to check the patient's immunity status as any breach in the skin integrity could lead to an infection. If there is a risk of bleeding or infection, an electric razor should be used to shave the patient.
   To ensure that the patient is safe to have a wet shave and that the possible risks associated with cutting the patient are mitigated (Bloomfield et al. [21], E; Moore and Cunningham [136], E).
2. 2.Show
   Introduce yourself to the patient, explain and discuss the procedure with them, and gain their consent to proceed. Determine their preferences with regard to shaving and the type of shaving products to be used (e.g. gel or foam).
   To ensure that the patient feels at ease, understands the procedure and gives their valid consent (NMC [162], C).

   Shaving is individual to the patient (Maurer et al. [123], E).

   To arrange for any prescribed care (e.g. medicated product) to be administered. E
3. 3.Show
   Assess the patient's ability to be in a comfortable position throughout the procedure: either sitting or lying (if confined to bed) or sitting in a chair.
   To ensure patient stability, comfort and safety. E
4. 4.Show
   Collect all the equipment listed and place it by the bedside. Only use the patient's own razor or a disposable razor. If using the patient's razor, check the condition of the blades to ensure they are not blocked or corroded.
   To minimize time away from the patient during the procedure. E

   To prevent cross‐infection (Bloomfield et al. [21], E; Moore and Cunningham [136], E). To ensure that the razor can cut the beard hair, which reduces the risk of skin irritation from repeated strokes. E
5. 5.Show
   Clear the area of any obstacles, ensuring that the environment is warm. Draw the curtains around the bed or close the doors to ensure privacy and dignity. Use available signage as appropriate.
   To maintain comfort and a safe environment and promote privacy and dignity (NMC [162], C).
6. 6.Show
   Wash your hands and put on disposable gloves and apron in accordance with local guidelines.
   To minimize the risk of cross‐infection (NHS England and NHSI [148], C).

Procedure

1. 7.Show
   Drape a towel over the patient's chest, around the neck.
   To allow the patient to be kept clean and dry during the procedure. E
2. 8.Show
   Wet the patient's face and beard by applying a warm, moist cloth.
   This will soften the beard hair, which may result in less force being required during shaving (Maurer et al. [123], E).
3. 9.Show
   Apply shaving cream or gel to the patient's face as per the patient's preference, using hands or the patient's shaving brush, if available.
   To soften the patient's beard hair and skin (Draelos [52], E). To provide lubrication for the razor, causing less friction. E
4. 10.Show
   With the non‐dominant hand, hold the skin of the face taut.
   To remove skin creases, providing a smoother surface and pathway for the razor, thus maintaining patient comfort (Moore and Cunningham [136], E; Spencer [217], E).
5. 11.Show
   Holding the razor at a 45° angle to the skin, shave the hair in short, firm strokes in the direction of the hair growth. Rinse the razor in the water regularly to remove accumulated shaving foam on the blade.
   To remove the hair effectively and promote comfort, avoiding the risk of skin irritation and ingrowing hairs (Bloomfield et al. [21], E; Burton and Ludwig [30], E; Spencer [217], E).
6. 12.Show
   After shaving the whole of the beard and moustache area, wipe the patient's face using moist wipes.
   To remove any remaining shaving cream and hair. E
7. 13.Show
   Dry the face using the towel and apply any aftershave products the patient desires. Lotions should be patted onto the skin.
   To avoid excess rubbing, which can cause skin irritation (Kozier et al. [102], E).
8. 14.Show
   Remove the equipment and return the patient to a comfortable position.
   To ensure patient comfort (Seray‐Wurie [207], E; Windle [241], E).
9. 15.Show
   Remove any wet linen and ensure that the patient is appropriately clothed.
   To ensure patient comfort and warmth. E

Post‐procedure

1. 16.Show
   Clear away the equipment from the patient's bedside. Place the call bell within the reach of the patient.
   To maintain a safe environment and promote patient independence (NMC [162], C).
2. 17.Show
   Dispose of the disposable razor in the sharps bin. Remove apron and gloves, disposing of them according to local regulations. Undertake hand hygiene.
   For the safe disposal of sharps. To prevent injury and cross‐infection (Moore and Cunningham [136], C; NHS England and NHSI [148], C).
3. 18.Show
   Document any changes in planned care.
   To provide recorded documentation of care and aid communication to the multiprofessional team (NMC [162], C).