Non-maleficence

Definition

Non-maleficence is the ethical principle that obligates individuals to avoid causing harm to others. It emphasizes the importance of not inflicting injury or suffering, and it serves as a cornerstone in medical ethics, guiding professionals to prioritize patient safety and well-being.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Non-maleficence is rooted in the Hippocratic Oath, which requires physicians to 'do no harm' as part of their ethical commitment to patient care.
2. In healthcare settings, non-maleficence requires practitioners to assess the risks and benefits of treatments to ensure that the potential for harm is minimized.
3. This principle can conflict with other ethical principles, such as beneficence, when a treatment that promotes good also carries risks of harm.
4. Non-maleficence is particularly relevant in the context of advanced technologies and interventions, where unintended consequences can arise.
5. Legal frameworks often reflect the principle of non-maleficence, as negligence or malpractice claims arise when harm is caused due to a failure in upholding this duty.

Review Questions

• How does the principle of non-maleficence interact with beneficence in medical decision-making?
  • Non-maleficence and beneficence are closely linked principles in medical ethics. While non-maleficence requires healthcare professionals to avoid causing harm, beneficence encourages them to take actions that promote patient welfare. In practice, this means that medical decisions must carefully weigh the potential benefits of an intervention against its risks, striving to maximize positive outcomes while minimizing any harm.
• In what ways might non-maleficence influence the development and use of new medical technologies?
  • Non-maleficence plays a crucial role in the development and application of new medical technologies by necessitating thorough risk assessments before implementation. As innovative procedures or devices emerge, healthcare providers must ensure that they do not introduce significant harm to patients. This principle compels researchers and practitioners to prioritize patient safety during trials and usage, ensuring that any benefits gained outweigh potential negative consequences.
• Evaluate how the ethical principle of non-maleficence can be applied to real-world scenarios involving patient care and consent.
  • In evaluating real-world scenarios involving patient care and consent, non-maleficence requires healthcare providers to be vigilant about the risks associated with treatments. For instance, when a patient consents to surgery, the provider must ensure that the procedure has a clear benefit over potential complications. By applying this principle, providers not only protect patients from harm but also foster trust in the healthcare system by demonstrating a commitment to their safety and well-being. This careful balancing act highlights the importance of informed consent, where patients are fully aware of risks before agreeing to treatment.

Related terms

Beneficence: The ethical principle that involves acting in the best interest of the patient, promoting good and taking positive steps to enhance well-being.

Autonomy: The right of individuals to make their own choices and decisions regarding their lives and healthcare, based on informed consent.

Justice: The ethical principle that emphasizes fairness in distribution of resources, ensuring that individuals receive what they are due in healthcare and societal contexts.