Pre‐procedure

ActionRationale

1. 1.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 electric shaving. Only use the patient's own razor. Examine the electric razor to ensure that it is clean and in optimal condition, ready for use. If it is battery operated, check the batteries are working; if it is mains operated, check that any electrical cables are safe and intact before plugging the razor into the mains.
   To ensure that the patient feels at ease, understands the procedure and gives their valid consent (NMC [162], C).

   To ensure the preferences of the patient are adhered to and that the equipment is safe and ready for purpose. 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, so as to reduce the risk of skin irritation from repeated strokes. E
2. 2.Show
   Determine whether the patient would like full removal or a trim.
   To ensure the patient's preferences are considered and individuality maintained. E
3. 3.Show
   Determine the type of shaving products to be used (e.g. pre‐shave lotion, aftershave lotion).
   To arrange for any prescribed care (e.g. medicated products) to be administered and/or apply any products as per the patient's preference. E
4. 4.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
5. 5.Show
   Collect all the equipment listed and place it by the bedside.
   To minimize time away from the patient during the procedure. E
6. 6.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).
7. 7.Show
   Wash 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. 8.Show
   Drape a towel over the patient's chest, around the neck
   To allow the patient to be kept clean during the procedure. E
2. 9.Show
   Apply any desired pre‐shaving products to the face, massage them into the beard hair.
   To soften the beard hair (Burton and Ludwig [30], E; Maurer et al. [123], E).
3. 10.Show
   After turning the electric razor on, shave the cheeks in a circular motion, going over the same area a few times to cut the hair adequately. Shave the upper lip area in a downward direction following the direction of the hair growth and shave the neck area in an upward direction.
   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).
4. 11.Show
   Apply any aftershave products as per the patient's preference. Lotions should be patted onto the skin.
   To avoid excess rubbing, which can cause skin irritation (Kozier et al. [102], E).
5. 12.Show
   Return the patient to a comfortable position.
   To ensure patient comfort (Seray‐Wurie [207], E; Windle [241], E).
6. 13.Show
   Remove and dispose of any used towels according to local policy and ensure that the patient is appropriately clothed.
   To ensure patient comfort and warmth. E

Post‐procedure

1. 14.Show
   Clear away the equipment from the patient's bedside. Brush the razor to clean it, and store it in an appropriate safe place. Place the call bell within the reach of the patient.
   To maintain a safe environment and promote patient independence (NMC [162], C).
2. 15.Show
   Remove apron and gloves, disposing of them according to local regulations. Undertake hand hygiene.
   To prevent cross‐infection (Moore and Cunningham [136], C; NHS England and NHSI [148], C).
3. 16.Show
   Document and report any changes in planned care.
   To provide recorded documentation of care and aid communication to the multiprofessional team (NMC [162], C).