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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