Beneficence and the professional's moral imperative

Area of Science:

• Chiropractic Ethics
• Professionalism in Healthcare

Background:

• Beneficence is a fundamental ethical principle in healthcare.
• It involves acting with charity, mercy, and kindness, prioritizing the well-being of others.

Purpose of the Study:

• To define beneficence within the chiropractic profession.
• To discuss its importance for chiropractic practitioners.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and conceptual analysis of beneficence.
• Discussion of its application in the chiropractic professional-client relationship.

Main Results:

• Beneficence entails a moral obligation to always favor the client's well-being and interests.
• It is an integral part of professional identity and ethical practice.

Conclusions:

• Healthcare professionals have a duty of care to patients, colleagues, and society.
• Failure to understand or accept this duty risks violating patient trust and acting malevolently.