What does non-maleficence refer to in a healthcare context?

Non-maleficence is a fundamental ethical principle in healthcare that emphasizes the duty of healthcare providers to avoid causing harm to patients. This principle is rooted in the Hippocratic Oath, which instructs practitioners to "first do no harm." It underlines the importance of ensuring that actions taken in patient care do not lead to unnecessary suffering or injury.

In practice, non-maleficence requires healthcare professionals to carefully consider the potential risks of any intervention or treatment and to strive to minimize those risks while maximizing potential benefits. It also involves being vigilant in patient care to prevent adverse effects that may arise from either negligence or action. By adhering to the principle of non-maleficence, healthcare providers uphold their commitment to patient safety and ethical practice, ensuring that their actions contribute positively to patient well-being rather than causing harm. This principle serves as a guiding framework for decision-making in complex healthcare scenarios, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding patients' health and welfare.