What concept is defined as taking actions that benefit others in healthcare?

The concept defined as taking actions that benefit others in healthcare is known as beneficence. This ethical principle emphasizes the importance of acting in ways that promote the well-being of patients and contribute positively to their health. It involves a proactive approach, where healthcare professionals are not only expected to refrain from causing harm but also to engage in interventions that foster good health outcomes.

Beneficence supports the idea that healthcare providers have an obligation to enhance patient welfare by providing effective treatments, advocating for patient needs, and ensuring that the services they render are in the best interest of their patients. This principle underpins many clinical practices and decisions, helping to guide practitioners in prioritizing patient care and well-being.

In contrast, duty to treat refers to the ethical obligation of healthcare professionals to provide care to patients, while autonomy focuses on respecting individuals' rights to make their own healthcare decisions. Nonmaleficence, on the other hand, is the principle of "do no harm," emphasizing the need to avoid actions that may cause physical or psychological harm to patients. Each of these concepts is integral to ethical practice in healthcare but beneficence specifically relates to the actions taken for the benefit of others.