AlphaMED Resources · https://alphamedicine.uk/Resources/least-harm
Principle of least harm
The principle of least harm says that when every option carries some harm, the one that causes the least should be chosen.
Summary
- It applies when no harmless choice exists.
- It is close to non maleficence, which is the duty to avoid harm in the first place.
- Breaking confidentiality to protect someone at risk of serious harm is an example. The damage to trust is accepted to prevent something worse.
Interview questions
- A patient tells you they intend to seriously harm someone. What do you do?
- Every treatment option for a patient carries a serious risk. How would you help them choose?
- Is doing nothing ever the least harmful option?
Practise answering these with a mentor
Our interview preparation has you answer questions like these out loud, with feedback on each answer.
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More NHS hot topics, medical ethics case studies and medical school interview questions are in AlphaMED Resources, which we add to and update through the application cycle.