Abstract

Primum non nocere is only the beginning

Primum non nocere is only the beginning... 'First do no harm' is considered one of the primary ethical principles of medical practice. Originating in a time when physicians made most decisions and options were severely limited, it served well as a touchstone of medical practice. Today, paediatricans are faced daily with complex issues involving clinical and ethical judgement. While the dilemmas experienced in the community paediatrician?s office may vary in specific details from those in the neonatal intensive care unit, the ethical principles that guide us to a resolution will be the same. The present article is the first in a new forum intended to provide readers of Paediatrics & Child Health with the opportunity to reflect on ethical aspects, dilemmas and issues that arise in the care of infants, children and adolescents.