Which ethical principle involves treating patients fairly and justly?

The principle of justice focuses on treating patients fairly and equitably. It emphasizes the importance of distributing healthcare resources, treatments, and services in a manner that respects individuals' rights and needs. This principle is foundational in ensuring that all patients receive the care they deserve without discrimination or bias, thus fostering trust in the healthcare system.

In the context of healthcare, justice also relates to issues such as access to care, the allocation of resources, and the fair treatment of individuals within the system. It ensures that caregivers advocate for policies and practices that emphasize fairness, which is essential in maintaining ethical standards in clinical practice and public health.

Other principles contribute to holistic patient care but do not specifically encapsulate the essence of fairness and justice as robustly as the principle of justice does. For example, autonomy refers to a patient's right to make decisions about their own care, beneficence emphasizes the duty to promote good and help patients, and non-maleficence focuses on the obligation to avoid harm. While all these principles are crucial in the ethical decision-making process, justice uniquely emphasizes fairness and equality in treatment and resource allocation.