What does 'non-maleficence' mean in the context of healthcare ethics?

In the context of healthcare ethics, 'non-maleficence' refers to the principle of "do no harm" when providing healthcare services. This ethical obligation emphasizes that healthcare professionals must not cause harm to patients, whether through acts of commission or omission. It serves as a foundational element of medical practice, guiding healthcare providers to consider the potential negative consequences of their interventions and to prioritize patient safety in all decision-making.

In practice, this principle requires that healthcare practitioners carefully weigh the risks and benefits of any treatment or intervention to ensure that they are not inadvertently causing harm, whether physically, emotionally, or psychologically. By adhering to non-maleficence, healthcare providers commit to delivering care that is beneficial while minimizing any potential damage to their patients. This principle is essential for establishing trust in the healthcare provider-patient relationship and is pivotal in fostering a compassionate and ethical practice environment.