What is one main goal of ethics in healthcare?

The main goal of ethics in healthcare is to ensure patient welfare and rights. This encompasses the commitment to prioritize the health, well-being, and dignity of patients. Central to this ethical framework are principles such as autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice. By upholding these principles, healthcare providers strive to treat patients with respect, make informed decisions that consider their preferences and values, and provide care that enhances their health outcomes while minimizing harm.

While considerations like reducing healthcare costs or minimizing legal issues can be relevant in a healthcare setting, they do not encapsulate the core ethical focus, which is ultimately centered on the needs and rights of the patient. Maximizing profits for healthcare facilities is also contrary to ethical principles, as it may lead to conflicts of interest that can compromise patient care. Therefore, the emphasis on patient welfare and rights is fundamental to ethical practice in healthcare, guiding all interactions and decisions made by healthcare professionals.