Mark Borden MD | Application of Beneficence in Clinical Settings
The principle of beneficence manifests in various forms
across different medical scenarios. From routine checkups to life-saving
surgeries, the goal is to ensure that patients receive the best possible care
that maximizes their health outcomes. However, this is not always
straightforward. Dr. Borden points out that beneficence often requires weighing
the potential benefits of a treatment against its risks and the patient's
individual situation.
For example, consider the case of a patient with terminal
cancer who is offered an experimental treatment. While the treatment may have the
potential to extend life, it could also come with significant side effects and
a low success rate. In such cases, the physician must carefully balance the
possible benefits with the patient's quality of life, prognosis, and personal
preferences. A beneficent action in this context might involve not pursuing
aggressive treatments but rather focusing on palliative care that prioritizes
comfort and dignity.
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