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Understanding Beneficence and Non-Maleficence in Healthcare Ethics

With advancements in medical practices, it is becoming vital to follow ethical principles. Some principles form the basis of guidance in the provision of healthcare. Two of these key principles are:

  • Beneficence
  • Non-maleficence

These principles are key in law and ethics. Through them, the medical industry derives ethical conduct and critical decisions. These principles have their significance across many fields, including healthcare and legal practice.
When it comes to healthcare ethics, these terms hold a lot of value. Continue reading to learn how these terms play a role in the lives of medical professionals.

Beneficence and Non-Maleficence

According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, medical professionals must balance “do good” and “do no harm” in their practices.

  • “Do good” means beneficence
  • “Do no harm” means non-maleficence

The principles are enshrined in UK law. Each principle is used by forensic psychologists and healthcare specialists to ensure the highest levels of care. According to Jay P. Singh,

The principles obligate professionals to promote the well-being of their patients and participants while refraining from causing or exposing them to harm.”

Jay P. Singh

Non-Maleficence – What the Principle Entails

Before we discuss these terms, we need to know what they actually mean.
Non-maleficence comes from the Latin phrase “primum non nocere” (“first, do no harm”), and is crucial in both medical and legal fields.
It means actively avoiding harming others.
Following are some rules that come under this principle:

  • Medical specialists must actively avoid actions that might harm patients
  • Non-maleficence demands fairness and impartiality in the legal system
  • Medical professionals must strive to help patients
  • Avoid causing harm to patients

The principle not only stresses on avoiding harm to others, but also doing everything to impact those around positively.

Beneficence: Promoting Good

Beneficence is the obligation taken by medical professionals to act in the best interests of others.

But what does that mean?

It means taking actions that help the bodies and minds of patients. It requires compassion and understanding of their needs.
In law, beneficence means striving for good outcomes. It is for those affected by legal actions.
Let’s look at an example.
A defendant’s job is to protect their client’s rights in criminal law and ensure that their client has a fair trial.
Additionally, a prosecutor’s responsibility also includes seeking justice for the victim. They must do this while respecting the rights of the accused.
Whether we’re talking about legal or medical fields, professionals should actively work to create positive outcomes for those they affect.

Differences Between Beneficence and Non-Maleficence

beneficence and non-maleficence

The main difference between the two is:

  • Beneficence means performing an action that is for the greater good of people
  • On the other hand, non-maleficence entails removing maleficent thinking from your mind, actively trying not to harm others

When it comes to the medical field, practising both beneficence and non-maleficence is crucial.
A medical professional’s job is two-fold. This means, their responsibility is:

  • To treat and heal their patient
  • Avoid conducting experiments or trying treatment plans that might harm them

The healthcare system must be formed on the basis of these principles, helping people and avoiding harming them.

Final Thoughts

Beneficence and non-maleficence are essential to adhere to in both legal and medical fields.

Concise Medico upholds these principles in our expert witness reporting services. Our focus is on ensuring fairness and justice in the UK legal system.

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Understanding Beneficence and Non-Maleficence in Healthcare Ethics

With advancements in medical practices, it is becoming vital to follow ethical principles. Some principles form the basis of guidance in the provision of healthcare. Two of these key principles are:

  • Beneficence
  • Non-maleficence

These principles are key in law and ethics. Through them, the medical industry derives ethical conduct and critical decisions. These principles have their significance across many fields, including healthcare and legal practice.
When it comes to healthcare ethics, these terms hold a lot of value. Continue reading to learn how these terms play a role in the lives of medical professionals.

Beneficence and Non-Maleficence

According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, medical professionals must balance “do good” and “do no harm” in their practices.

  • “Do good” means beneficence
  • “Do no harm” means non-maleficence

The principles are enshrined in UK law. Each principle is used by forensic psychologists and healthcare specialists to ensure the highest levels of care. According to Jay P. Singh,

The principles obligate professionals to promote the well-being of their patients and participants while refraining from causing or exposing them to harm.”

Jay P. Singh

Non-Maleficence – What the Principle Entails

Before we discuss these terms, we need to know what they actually mean.
Non-maleficence comes from the Latin phrase “primum non nocere” (“first, do no harm”), and is crucial in both medical and legal fields.
It means actively avoiding harming others.
Following are some rules that come under this principle:

  • Medical specialists must actively avoid actions that might harm patients
  • Non-maleficence demands fairness and impartiality in the legal system
  • Medical professionals must strive to help patients
  • Avoid causing harm to patients

The principle not only stresses on avoiding harm to others, but also doing everything to impact those around positively.

Beneficence: Promoting Good

Beneficence is the obligation taken by medical professionals to act in the best interests of others.

But what does that mean?

It means taking actions that help the bodies and minds of patients. It requires compassion and understanding of their needs.
In law, beneficence means striving for good outcomes. It is for those affected by legal actions.
Let’s look at an example.
A defendant’s job is to protect their client’s rights in criminal law and ensure that their client has a fair trial.
Additionally, a prosecutor’s responsibility also includes seeking justice for the victim. They must do this while respecting the rights of the accused.
Whether we’re talking about legal or medical fields, professionals should actively work to create positive outcomes for those they affect.

Differences Between Beneficence and Non-Maleficence

beneficence and non-maleficence

The main difference between the two is:

  • Beneficence means performing an action that is for the greater good of people
  • On the other hand, non-maleficence entails removing maleficent thinking from your mind, actively trying not to harm others

When it comes to the medical field, practising both beneficence and non-maleficence is crucial.
A medical professional’s job is two-fold. This means, their responsibility is:

  • To treat and heal their patient
  • Avoid conducting experiments or trying treatment plans that might harm them

The healthcare system must be formed on the basis of these principles, helping people and avoiding harming them.

Final Thoughts

Beneficence and non-maleficence are essential to adhere to in both legal and medical fields.

Concise Medico upholds these principles in our expert witness reporting services. Our focus is on ensuring fairness and justice in the UK legal system.