Which principle refers to fairness in the delivery of healthcare services?

The principle that refers to fairness in the delivery of healthcare services is justice. In the context of healthcare, justice emphasizes the idea that all patients should have equal access to medical treatment and resources, regardless of their background, socioeconomic status, or other factors. This principle is fundamental to ensuring that healthcare is provided in a fair manner, addressing disparities and promoting equality among different populations.

Justice is often tied to policies and practices that seek to eliminate bias and discrimination in healthcare systems. It underscores the importance of ensuring that resources are allocated in a way that reflects the needs of the community as a whole, rather than favoring certain groups over others.

While other principles such as equity, autonomy, and beneficence play significant roles in ethical healthcare practices, they do not specifically address the concept of fairness in service delivery in the same way that justice does. Equity often relates to the idea of providing different levels of care based on individual needs to achieve fairness, but it is justice that directly encompasses the ethical distribution of healthcare resources among all individuals.