The dilemma of goodness: acknowledging beneficence tension in the search for consensus.

Abstract

Patient care in family medicine and palliative medicine involves important communication with stakeholders. Beneficence is assumed to be crucial to achieving consensus in these encounters. However, stakeholders may have different perspectives of beneficence. The term beneficence tension is introduced to conceptualize these differing perspectives. Acknowledging beneficence tension is suggested as a way to enhance effective communication with patients and families.