What term describes the ethical principle of doing good to others in healthcare?

The term that describes the ethical principle of doing good to others in healthcare is beneficence. This principle emphasizes the moral obligation of healthcare providers to act in the best interest of their patients, promoting their well-being and taking actions that will benefit them.

Beneficence goes beyond merely avoiding harm; it involves taking positive steps to enhance the health and welfare of individuals. It encompasses a range of actions that healthcare professionals should take, such as providing effective treatments, alleviating suffering, and ensuring that care is delivered in a compassionate and ethical manner. This principle is foundational in healthcare ethics, shaping the relationship between caregivers and patients, and guiding decision-making processes to improve health outcomes.

In contrast, other terms like justice pertain to fairness and equity in healthcare distribution, veracity relates to truthfulness and the obligation to provide accurate information to patients, while fidelity focuses on loyalty and keeping commitments in the caregiver-patient relationship. These principles are all essential to ethical practice in healthcare, but it is beneficence that specifically encapsulates the notion of doing good.