What is one of the ethical principles guiding chiropractic practice?

The principle of beneficence is a fundamental ethical guideline in chiropractic practice, as well as in other healthcare professions. It emphasizes the obligation of practitioners to act in the best interest of their patients. This means that chiropractors should strive to provide treatments that promote the well-being, health, and recovery of their patients.

In this context, beneficence involves not only taking actions that are beneficial but also ensuring that any interventions are based on sound evidence and practice standards, ensuring that clinic practices prioritize patient outcomes. It shapes the decision-making processes of chiropractors, encouraging them to weigh the potential benefits of treatments against the risks, and to choose options that optimize patient care.

While other concepts listed can be relevant in broader discussions, they do not serve as foundational ethical principles guiding clinical relationships and responsibilities as clearly as beneficence does. For instance, competition does not prioritize patient welfare, and privatization may refer more to business aspects than ethical considerations. Utilitarianism, while related to maximizing utility and overall good, is a broader philosophical concept that may not always align with individual patient-centered care typical in chiropractic practice.