Which principle ensures that healthcare providers do not harm their patients?

Non-maleficence is the principle that specifically focuses on the obligation of healthcare providers to avoid causing harm to their patients. This ethical principle emphasizes that in the provision of care, the primary goal is to prevent any potential injury or suffering. It compels healthcare practitioners to consider the outcomes of their actions and decisions, ensuring that they do not introduce risk or harm in the process of helping others.

In practice, non-maleficence leads healthcare providers to carefully evaluate treatments, procedures, and diagnoses, weighing any potential adverse effects against the benefits. For instance, when prescribing medication, a provider must consider not only the intended effects but also the side effects that could negatively impact the patient's well-being. By adhering to the principle of non-maleficence, healthcare providers prioritize the safety and health of their patients above all else.