Which ethical principle is primarily focused on providing benefits while minimizing harm?

Which ethical principle is primarily focused on providing benefits while minimizing harm?

• A. Justice
• B. Beneficence
• C. Autonomy
• D. Integrity

Answer: (B)

The principle that is primarily focused on providing benefits while minimizing harm is beneficence. This ethical principle emphasizes the obligation of healthcare providers to act in the best interests of patients by promoting good and contributing to their well-being. Beneficence not only involves the provision of beneficial treatments and interventions but also encompasses the responsibility to evaluate potential risks and harms associated with those treatments. In practical terms, this means that healthcare providers must strive to maximize positive outcomes for patients while being vigilant in minimizing any potential adverse effects or suffering that may arise from medical interventions. The concept is foundational in medical ethics as it drives the decision-making process for clinicians in developing care plans and making recommendations about treatment options. Justice pertains to fairness in the distribution of benefits and burdens in healthcare, focusing on equitable access to resources rather than the individual patient's benefit. Autonomy centers around respecting an individual's right to make their own decisions regarding their medical care, irrespective of the potential harm or benefit. Integrity involves maintaining moral and ethical standards in professional conduct but does not specifically address the concepts of benefit and harm within patient care.

The principle that is primarily focused on providing benefits while minimizing harm is beneficence. This ethical principle emphasizes the obligation of healthcare providers to act in the best interests of patients by promoting good and contributing to their well-being. Beneficence not only involves the provision of beneficial treatments and interventions but also encompasses the responsibility to evaluate potential risks and harms associated with those treatments.

In practical terms, this means that healthcare providers must strive to maximize positive outcomes for patients while being vigilant in minimizing any potential adverse effects or suffering that may arise from medical interventions. The concept is foundational in medical ethics as it drives the decision-making process for clinicians in developing care plans and making recommendations about treatment options.

Justice pertains to fairness in the distribution of benefits and burdens in healthcare, focusing on equitable access to resources rather than the individual patient's benefit. Autonomy centers around respecting an individual's right to make their own decisions regarding their medical care, irrespective of the potential harm or benefit. Integrity involves maintaining moral and ethical standards in professional conduct but does not specifically address the concepts of benefit and harm within patient care.