Beneficence and the professional's moral imperative

OBJECTIVE: This article offers a brief discussion of the definition and importance of beneficence in the context of the chiropractic profession. DISCUSSION: Beneficence is defined as an act of charity, mercy, and kindness with a strong connotation of doing good to others including moral obligation. All professionals have the foundational moral imperative of doing right. In the context of the professional-client relationship, the professional is obligated to, always and without exception, favor the well-being and interest of the client. In health care, beneficence is one of the fundamental ethics. An integral part of work as a professional is the foundational ethic of beneficence. An understanding of this ethic of care compels the individual health practitioner to consider his or her calling to the high standards of professionalism as a moral imperative; one that advocates for high standards and strives for the greater good. CONCLUSION: Health care professionals have a duty of care that extends to the patient, professional colleagues, and to society as a whole. Any individual professional who neither understands nor accepts this duty is at risk for acting malevolently and violating the fiduciary principle of honoring and protecting the patient.