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Therapeutic Risk-Benefit

Meaning

The foundational clinical and ethical calculus used in medical decision-making that systematically weighs the probability and magnitude of anticipated positive physiological outcomes against the potential severity and incidence of adverse effects associated with a specific therapeutic intervention. This evaluation is essential to ensure that any clinical protocol, such as hormone replacement or a complex nutraceutical regimen, is justified by a favorable ratio of expected health gain to potential patient harm. It is the cornerstone of patient safety.