What is the ethical principle that relates to doing no harm?

Nonmaleficence is the ethical principle that specifically focuses on the obligation to do no harm. This principle is foundational in healthcare and emphasizes the importance of avoiding actions that could cause physical, emotional, or psychological harm to patients. It underscores the responsibility of medical professionals, including medical assistants, to ensure that their actions do not negatively affect the well-being of those they serve.

In medical practice, upholding nonmaleficence involves careful consideration of treatments, procedures, and interactions with patients, ensuring that the benefits of any intervention outweigh any potential risks or harms. By adhering to this principle, healthcare providers cultivate trust and prioritize patient safety, forming the bedrock of ethical practice in the medical field.