What concept prioritizes the well-being of patients while also considering the potential harm?

Beneficence is the concept that emphasizes the importance of promoting the well-being of patients. It focuses on actions that contribute to the health and happiness of individuals and communities, ensuring that healthcare providers actively promote positive outcomes in their patients' lives. This principle involves not only providing effective treatments and interventions but also taking into account the patient's overall quality of life and emotional well-being.

By incorporating beneficence into healthcare practices, providers are guided to act in the best interest of their patients, making decisions that enhance their welfare and mitigate any potential risks. This consideration allows for a more holistic approach to patient care, addressing both physical health and emotional support.

In contrast, nonmaleficence is concerned with the obligation to avoid causing harm to patients. While it shares a close relationship with beneficence, its primary focus is on preventing negative outcomes rather than promoting positive ones. The principles of autonomy and justice, while essential in healthcare ethics, do not specifically center on the dual consideration of both patient welfare and potential harm; autonomy focuses on the right to self-determination, and justice addresses fairness and distribution of resources. Therefore, beneficence is the concept that best encapsulates the dual considerations of prioritizing patient well-being while being mindful of the risks involved