Word parts
What it means
One of the core principles of health care ethicsETH-iksThe study of right and wrong, and the principles that guide good conduct and decisions.eth/o custom, character-ics the study ofFull entry , often summed up as "first, do no harm". It means avoiding actions that would injure a client and weighing the risks of any treatment against its benefits. It goes with beneficencebuh-NEF-ih-sunsThe ethical principle of doing good and acting in the client's best interest.bene- good, well-ficence doingFull entry (doing good), autonomyaw-TON-uh-meeA person's right to make their own choices about their body and their care.Full entry and justiceJUS-tisThe ethical principle of treating people fairly and sharing care and resources fairly.Full entry . Speaking up about an unsafe order or reporting a colleague who is impaired at work are examples.
Remember it
Non-MAL-eficence: no malice, no harm.
At a glance
| Spanish | no maleficencia |
|---|---|
| Also written | non-maleficence |
Related terms
autonomy
A person's right to make their own choices about their body and their care.
ethics
The study of right and wrong, and the principles that guide good conduct and decisions.
beneficence
The ethical principle of doing good and acting in the client's best interest.
justice
The ethical principle of treating people fairly and sharing care and resources fairly.