Which ethical principle focuses on the idea of doing good for the patient?

• A. Autonomy
• B. Justice
• C. Beneficence
• D. Non-maleficence

Answer: (C)

The correct answer is focused on the ethical principle of beneficence, which emphasizes the obligation of healthcare providers to act in the best interest of their patients. This principle entails taking positive steps to promote the well-being and welfare of patients, ensuring that actions taken by healthcare professionals contribute to the health and happiness of patients.

Beneficence requires practitioners to not only avoid causing harm (which is the concern of another ethical principle known as non-maleficence) but also to actively engage in practices that provide benefits and support recovery or well-being. For example, administering effective treatments, providing support and education, and advocating for the needs of the patient are all expressions of beneficence.

In contrast, autonomy pertains to a patient’s right to make their own decisions regarding their healthcare; justice relates to fairness and equality in the distribution of resources and treatments; and non-maleficence focuses specifically on the duty to avoid actions that could cause harm. Each of these principles plays a vital role in ethical healthcare practice, but beneficence directly addresses the proactive aspect of fostering positive outcomes for patients.