The principles of beneficence and non-maleficence are closely related.

Beneficence is the obligation to do good for patients - balancing the objective benefits of treatment against the risks and costs involved in providing the best medical care.

This principle centres on the idea that patients' welfare is the main concern, which means that we must act in the 'best interests' of patients.

However, conflict can arise when respecting a patient's autonomy means allowing the patient to make a decision that conflicts with what is thought to be in their best interests.

Non-maleficence is the obligation to avoid causation of harm.

As many treatments involve some degree of harm the principle of non-maleficence implies that harm should not be out of proportion to the benefit of the treatment.

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