Final answer:
The principle of beneficence is the medical ethic that involves actions which benefit the patient and work for their good, especially ensuring treatments enhance health while avoiding undue harm. This aligns with the principle of nonmaleficence, which focuses on not causing harm.
Step-by-step explanation:
If you apply your abilities solely for the patient's well-being and do no harm to the patient, you are said to have beneficence. The principle of beneficence is a medical ethic that states we should act in ways that benefit others or that are for the good of others. When applied to medicine, beneficence involves conducting medical care that has the best interests of the patient in mind and contributes to their health and well-being while avoiding any unnecessary harm, aligning closely with the principle of nonmaleficence, which is the commitment to not causing harm.
In clinical settings, these principles inform the interactions between healthcare providers and patients, as well as guide the conduct of researchers in clinical trials. For example, ensuring that medical procedures and treatments are necessary and do not cause undue harm exemplifies nonmaleficence, while beneficence is reflected in actions taken to enhance the health of the patient. This ethical framework is crucial in decision-making for patient care and in the pursuit of medical advancements through research that considers patient safety and welfare.