Which principle refers to the obligation to act in the best interest of the patient?

Beneficence is the principle that emphasizes the obligation to act in the best interest of the patient. It involves taking positive steps to promote the well-being of patients, ensuring that care provided is aimed at enhancing their health and welfare. This principle goes beyond merely avoiding harm; it requires healthcare providers, including Physician Assistants, to actively pursue good outcomes for their patients through appropriate interventions and support.

The importance of beneficence in clinical practice is rooted in the ethical duty of healthcare professionals to prioritize patient welfare in decision-making and treatment plans. By adhering to this principle, healthcare providers can build trust and foster a therapeutic relationship with their patients, ensuring that their interventions align with the patients' needs and values.

While autonomy relates to respecting a patient's right to make their own healthcare decisions, and non-maleficence emphasizes the avoidance of harm, beneficence specifically focuses on the proactive involvement in improving patient health. Justice addresses fairness in the distribution of healthcare resources but does not directly pertain to the individual obligation to act in the patient's best interest.