Which medical ethical pillar focuses on not causing harm to the patient?

The principle that focuses on not causing harm to the patient is non-maleficence. This ethical pillar emphasizes the obligation of healthcare providers to avoid inflicting harm or injury to patients, whether through actions or omissions. Non-maleficence is a fundamental aspect of medical ethics, guiding healthcare professionals to assess the potential risks and harms associated with treatments and interventions, thus ensuring that patient safety remains a priority.

In the context of medical practice, non-maleficence means that practitioners must carefully weigh the possible negative outcomes of any medical intervention against the expected benefits, striving to minimize any potential harm. This principle underlines the importance of making informed decisions that protect patients and respect their well-being.

Autonomy, beneficence, and justice are also important ethical pillars but they do not specifically address the aspect of avoiding harm. Autonomy centers on respecting a patient's right to make their own decisions. Beneficence involves taking positive actions to promote the well-being of the patient, and justice pertains to fairness in treatment and the distribution of healthcare resources. While these principles are critical in medical ethics, non-maleficence distinctly highlights the commitment to not cause harm, making it the correct focus in this question.