Both beneficence and non-maleficence, closely related ethical concepts, are often used in medicine and healthcare. Beneficence is the action of serving someone else. Non-maleficence means not to harm. Non-maleficence means not harming others.
Nonmaleficence is the obligation of a physician not to harm the patient. This simply stated principle supports several moral rules − do not kill, do not cause pain or suffering, do not incapacitate, do not cause offense, and do not deprive others of the goods of life.
The generic definition of beneficence is an act of charity, mercy, and kindness. It connotes doing good to others and invokes a wide array of moral obligation. Beneficent acts can be performed from a position of obligation in what is owed and from a supererogatory perspective, meaning more than what is owed.
Malfeasance is an act that is illegal and causes physical or monetary harm to someone else. Malfeasance is intentional conduct that is wrongful or unlawful, especially by officials or public employees.
Nonmaleficence, meaning 'nonharming,' is another cherished principle in medical ethics, and it requires health providers to refrain from acting in ways that bring about unnecessary pain and suffering to patients.
This method, which is a case-based, categorical approach to clinical decision making, is meant to help clinicians make ethical decisions by organizing the aspects of the case into the following four categories: relevant medical indications, patient preferences, quality of life, and contextual factors (family, finances, ...
However, while maleficence came direct from the Latin, and still has that meaning — doing evil, enchantments or sorcery, being wicked — malfeasance came into English via French and is primarily a legal term, meaning the committing of an illegal act, a breaking of law.
What is an example of nonmaleficence in healthcare?
Choosing whether to resuscitate a patient – this can result in the death or continued life of a patient. It may also prolong the patient's pain and the mental and emotional suffering of their loved ones. In some instances, choosing not to resuscitate an individual can be an example of nonmaleficence.
Some common synonyms of villainous are corrupt, degenerate, iniquitous, nefarious, and vicious. While all these words mean "highly reprehensible or offensive in character, nature, or conduct," villainous applies to any evil, depraved, or vile conduct or characteristic.
