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The principle that obligates healthcare providers to avoid causing harm to the patient. It includes actions done in attempt to not inflict harm, and is often summarized by the phrase 'first, do no harm'.

An ethical theory that stresses the importance of rule-based actions, founded on the idea that there are moral norms and duties that are inherently correct, irrespective of their consequences.

An ethical framework that suggests that the best ethical decision is one that maximizes overall happiness and reduces suffering, creating the greatest good for the greatest number of people.

The distribution of medical resources, including the time of healthcare providers, medical equipment, organs for donation, and medications, raising questions of justice, fairness, and cost-effectiveness.

The ability of healthcare providers to effectively deliver healthcare services that meet the social, cultural, and linguistic needs of patients.

An ethical standard that protects patients' privacy by ensuring that all communications and records pertaining to their care are kept secure and private.

A situation in medical ethics where the professional duties of healthcare providers to their patients may be compromised by obligations to the interests of a third party, such as employers or insurers.

A legal document in which a person specifies what actions should be taken for their health if they are no longer able to make decisions for themselves due to illness or incapacity.

An ethical theory that evaluates the morality of an action based on its outcomes or consequences. The most well-known consequentialist theory is utilitarianism.

A medical ethic that emphasizes physicians' duty to act in the best interest of the patient and to promote good. It goes beyond non-maleficence by requiring that healthcare providers contribute to the well-being of patients.

Refers to the ethical concept of fairness in medical decision-making and distribution of resources. It often deals with ensuring that all individuals have equal access to healthcare resources.

Groups of patients who may be at increased risk of being subjected to coercion or undue influence, including children, prisoners, pregnant women, mentally disabled persons, or economically or educationally disadvantaged persons.

The belief or opinion that it is the moral or legal right of a person to refuse life-prolonging medical treatment or to undergo physician-assisted suicide under certain circumstances.

The psychological discomfort or emotional pain experienced by a healthcare provider who feels unable to act according to their knowledge of what is right, often due to institutional or other constraints.

A situation where a choice must be made between two or more equally undesirable alternatives, especially in medical ethics where moral imperatives prevent a clear course of action.

The ethical principle that a physician should inform patients about their true condition, respecting their right to make decisions regarding their health and life. It is closely allied with the principle of informed consent.

A process by which a patient is educated about the risks, benefits, and alternatives of a given procedure or intervention, and then given the opportunity to consent or refuse treatment based on that knowledge.

Latin for 'first, do no harm', it underscores the basic ethical guideline that a healthcare provider should not cause unnecessary harm to the patient.

A patient's mental ability to understand the nature and effects of his or her decisions concerning medical treatments.

A group of individuals formed to protect the interests of patients and address moral problems arising in the provision of healthcare and research.

A model of care that ensures that patient values guide all clinical decisions, promoting individualized care and giving the patient a greater role in the planning of their own healthcare.

The practice of intentionally ending a life to relieve pain and suffering. It's generally categorized into passive (withholding life-sustaining treatments) or active (introducing something to cause death), both of which raise complex ethical issues.

The ethical principle of keeping one's promises or the agreement made between the patient and healthcare provider. It involves upholding professional standards and being trustworthy.

A method of ethical problem-solving that emphasizes practical reasoning and dialogue among all stakeholders in a clinical situation, aiming to arrive at a working consensus and a tailored solution for each ethical problem.

A measure of the general well-being of individuals and societies, taking into account not only the absence of disease or disability, but also emotional, social, and physical wellbeing.

An ethical framework that focuses on the character of the moral agent rather than on rules or consequences, and the importance of moral virtues such as wisdom, courage, temperance, and justice.

A multidisciplinary approach to specialized medical care for people with serious illnesses. It focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of the illness, with the goal of improving quality of life.

The right of patients to make decisions about their medical care without their health care provider trying to influence the decision. Patient autonomy does allow for patients to make uninformed decisions regarding their care.