Non-maleficence
Non-maleficence is a principle in medical ethics that states that medical professionals should not harm their patients, either intentionally or unintentionally. This principle is often paired with the principle of beneficence, which states that medical professionals should act in the best interest of their patients.
Origin[edit | edit source]
The principle of non-maleficence originates from the Hippocratic Oath, which is an oath historically taken by physicians. The original text of the oath includes the phrase "I will abstain from all intentional wrong-doing and harm," which is often interpreted as a commitment to non-maleficence.
Application[edit | edit source]
In practice, the principle of non-maleficence means that medical professionals should avoid treatments or procedures that are likely to cause harm to the patient. This includes both physical harm, such as injury or illness, and psychological harm, such as distress or trauma. The principle also implies that medical professionals should take steps to minimize the risk of harm, for example by using the least invasive procedure possible, or by providing appropriate pain relief.
Challenges[edit | edit source]
One of the main challenges in applying the principle of non-maleficence is that it can sometimes conflict with other ethical principles. For example, a treatment that is likely to cause harm might also be the most effective way to benefit the patient. In such cases, medical professionals must weigh the potential harm against the potential benefit, and make a decision based on the best available evidence.
See also[edit | edit source]
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