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Primum non nocere is a Latin phrase that means "first, do no harm" and is a fundamental principle of bioethics. Learn about its origin, usage, and contrast with beneficence.
The Hippocratic Oath is an oath of ethics historically taken by physicians. It requires a new physician to swear by various healing gods to uphold principles such as confidentiality and non-maleficence.
- So Why The Confusion?
- Is "First, Do No Harm" Even Possible?
- How Practical Is "First, Do No Harm"?
- The Bottom Line
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Admittedly, there is similar language found in both places. For example, here's a line from one translation of the Hippocratic Oath: "I will follow that system of regimen which, according to my ability and judgment, I consider for the benefit of my patients, and abstain from whatever is deleterious and mischievous." Yes, the pledger commits to avoi...
The idea that doctors should, as a starting point, not harm their patients is an appealing one. But doesn't that set the bar rather low? Of courseno physician should set out to do something that will only be accompanied by predictable and preventable harm. We don't need an ancient ancestor, however well-respected, or an oath to convince us of that!...
Imagine the following situations: 1. Your diagnosis is clear — say, strep throat — and there's an effective treatment available that carries only minor risks. Here, "first, do no harm" is not particularly relevant or useful. 2. Your diagnosis isn'tclear and the optimal course of testing or treatment is uncertain — for example, you have back pain or...
The fact is that when difficult, real-time decisions must be made, it's hard to apply the "first, do no harm" dictum because estimates of risk and benefit are so uncertain and prone to error. But it isa reminder that we need high-quality research to help us better understand the balance of risk and benefit for the tests and treatments we recommend....
Learn the origin and meaning of the phrase "first, do no harm" and how it relates to medical practice. Find out why it may not be as practical or helpful as you might think.
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Jun 4, 2020 · Nonmaleficence is the obligation of a physician not to harm the patient. This simply stated principle supports several moral rules − do not kill, do not cause pain or suffering, do not incapacitate, do not cause offense, and do not deprive others of the goods of life.
- Basil Varkey
- 10.1159/000509119
- 2020
- Med Princ Pract. 2021 Feb; 30(1): 17-28.
Feb 4, 2022 · The maxim ‘do no harm’ (DNH) is enjoying a surge in popularity. From its early use in the Hippocratic Oath and medical ethics, its deployment has now extended to other areas including bioethics more broadly, education, the environment and internet ethics.
- Frank Vibert
Sep 11, 2023 · Learn about the causes, consequences and prevention of patient harm in health care, which affects millions of people worldwide every year. The web page explains the definition, principles and framework of patient safety, and provides examples of common sources of harm and factors leading to it.
Oct 20, 2019 · The phrase "first do no harm" is not part of the Hippocratic oath, but it reflects its ethical principles. Learn about the history and sources of this popular medical dictum and how it is used in modern healthcare.
