What principle does nonmaleficence represent in medical ethics?

Nonmaleficence is a fundamental principle in medical ethics that emphasizes the obligation of healthcare providers to avoid causing harm to patients. This principle underlines the ethical commitment to assess risks and benefits in medical interventions and decision-making processes. The essence of nonmaleficence is captured in the well-known phrase "do no harm," which serves as a guiding mantra in various medical practices, ensuring that patient safety is prioritized.

Maintaining this principle requires healthcare professionals to be diligent in their practices, informed about potential side effects of treatments, and considerate of how their actions may impact patient health. Nonmaleficence underpins critical decisions such as whether to proceed with certain therapies, conduct surgeries, or recommend medications, always weighing the potential benefits against the risks of harm.

In contrast, promoting well-being, ensuring informed consent, and expanding patient access, while important aspects of medical ethics, do not specifically capture the essence of nonmaleficence. These concepts relate more to positive patient outcomes, active patient involvement in their care decisions, and efforts to make healthcare accessible, respectively. Nonmaleficence strictly focuses on preventing harm, making "to do no harm" the correct interpretation of this ethical principle.