Beneficence

Syllable breakdown

Dictionary meaning

One of the four core principles of biomedical ethics, requiring that healthcare professionals and researchers act in ways that promote the well-being and best interests of patients and research subjects, actively contributing to their good.

Examples

• The principle of beneficence obligates physicians to recommend treatments that genuinely help the patient.
• Beneficence and non-maleficence are often considered complementary duties in medical ethics.

Synonyms: doing good, patient benefit principle