Which ethical principle emphasizes the duty to prevent harm and promote good?

The principle that emphasizes the duty to prevent harm and promote good is known as beneficence. This ethical principle is a fundamental aspect of healthcare practice, guiding healthcare professionals to take actions that contribute to the well-being of patients. Beneficence encompasses both the obligation to provide positive benefits to patients, such as providing effective treatments and interventions, and the responsibility to avoid actions that could cause harm, thereby promoting overall health and welfare.

In clinical practice, beneficence serves as a guiding framework for decision-making, ensuring that patient care is focused not only on alleviating suffering but also on enhancing quality of life. For instance, in the context of treatment options, healthcare professionals weigh the potential benefits against the risks, striving to choose interventions that yield the greatest positive outcomes for their patients.

Other ethical principles, while important, serve different roles. Autonomy pertains to respecting a patient's right to make informed decisions about their own healthcare. Fidelity relates to the duty to be loyal and keep promises to patients, ensuring trust and commitment in the caregiving relationship. Veracity involves the commitment to truthfulness and honesty in communication with patients. While these principles are integral to ethical practice, it is beneficence that explicitly addresses the proactive duty to enhance patient welfare and mitigate harm.