Which ethical principle emphasizes the importance of patient health and safety in care provision?

Beneficence is the ethical principle that emphasizes the importance of promoting the well-being of patients, which directly relates to enhancing their health and safety in care provision. This principle requires healthcare providers to act in the best interest of the patient, ensuring that any intervention leads to a positive effect on their health outcomes. By focusing on beneficence, healthcare professionals are compelled to provide treatments and care that not only aim to restore health but also enhance the quality of life for patients.

In contrast, the other principles—justice, non-maleficence, and autonomy—play different roles in the ethical framework of healthcare. Justice relates to the fair distribution of resources and equal treatment of patients, whereas non-maleficence is focused on the obligation not to inflict harm. Autonomy emphasizes the patient's right to make informed decisions regarding their own care. While these principles are crucial in the ethical landscape of healthcare, beneficence specifically centers on actions that contribute positively to patient health and safety.