Non-maleficence principle

The principle of non-maleficence means "do no harm." It guides healthcare professionals and others to avoid causing injury or suffering when providing care, treatment, or advice. The focus is on preventing harm while helping or healing individuals. This principle emphasizes careful decision-making to ensure that actions taken do not inadvertently cause unnecessary pain, complications, or damage, prioritizing patient safety and well-being above all else. It is a fundamental ethical guideline in medicine and related fields, ensuring that efforts to help do not result in unintended harm.