Which principle requires PTs to act in the patient's best interests, maximizing benefits?

Which principle requires PTs to act in the patient's best interests, maximizing benefits?

• A. Non-maleficence
• B. Beneficence
• C. Autonomy
• D. Justice

Answer: (B)

Beneficence is the obligation to promote the patient’s welfare by taking actions that maximize benefits. In physical therapy, this means choosing treatments, exercises, and guidance that are most likely to improve function, reduce suffering, and support recovery, while carefully balancing any risks or burdens. This principle focuses on doing good for the patient and actively working to enhance their health outcomes. Non-maleficence is about not causing harm, which is related but distinct from actively promoting benefit. Autonomy centers on respecting the patient’s right to make their own medical decisions, even if their choices differ from what a clinician believes is best. Justice concerns fairness in the distribution of care and resources.

Beneficence is the obligation to promote the patient’s welfare by taking actions that maximize benefits. In physical therapy, this means choosing treatments, exercises, and guidance that are most likely to improve function, reduce suffering, and support recovery, while carefully balancing any risks or burdens. This principle focuses on doing good for the patient and actively working to enhance their health outcomes.

Non-maleficence is about not causing harm, which is related but distinct from actively promoting benefit. Autonomy centers on respecting the patient’s right to make their own medical decisions, even if their choices differ from what a clinician believes is best. Justice concerns fairness in the distribution of care and resources.