In the context of medical ethics, what does 'beneficence' mean?

Beneficence refers to the ethical principle that requires healthcare providers to contribute positively to the well-being of their patients. This principle emphasizes the importance of acting in the best interest of the patient, which includes promoting good, preventing harm, and ensuring that any medical intervention leads to a favorable outcome for the patient.

In practice, beneficence is fundamental in guiding healthcare professionals' decision-making as they assess the potential benefits and risks of treatments or interventions. The focus on patient welfare underscores the moral responsibility that providers have to engage in actions that enhance the health and quality of life of those they serve.

This principle is distinguished from concepts like fairness and equality, which relate more to justice in healthcare settings, or autonomy, which emphasizes respecting the patient's right to make their own choices. Beneficence specifically targets the notion of providing support, care, and beneficial outcomes. Hence, the emphasis on enhancing patient well-being is what firmly defines the essence of beneficence in medical ethics.