ethical frameworks in medical decision-making

Ethical frameworks in medical decision-making help healthcare professionals choose the best course of action by balancing different principles. These frameworks include deontology, which focuses on doing what is right based on rules and duties; consequentialism, which considers the outcomes and overall benefits or harms; and patient-centered ethics, emphasizing respecting patients’ rights and preferences. Together, they guide providers to make fair, responsible decisions that respect patients' dignity, promote well-being, and uphold professional integrity. These frameworks ensure that healthcare choices are made thoughtfully, ethically, and with a focus on what is best for the patient.