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(Culturally Responsive Clinical Practice: Working with People from Migrant and Refugee Backgrounds COMPETENCY STANDARDS FRAMEWORK for CLINICIANS, 2019)

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For me, the most important aspect of Domain 1: Clinical Expert is Competency 1.2, where recognition of refugee-like experiences, like trauma and PTSD affect the patients, is vital, especially while providing care (Culturally Responsive Clinical Practice: Working with People from Migrant and Refugee Backgrounds COMPETENCY STANDARDS FRAMEWORK for CLINICIANS, 2019). This is because patients might be misunderstood as being non-compliant when appropriate approaches aren't made. This became relevant to me after learning that most Iraqi refugees have lived through war, displacement, separation and detention. This affects their ability to trust, share and engage in treatments and fear about safety in clinical settings. Previously, I didn't understand how past trauma could link with healthcare, but after learning this, I was able to improve my understanding of person-centred care, while avoiding retraumatization (Culturally Responsive Clinical Practice: Working with People from Migrant and Refugee Backgrounds COMPETENCY STANDARDS FRAMEWORK for CLINICIANS, 2019). For example, my patients would be able to restore a sense of control if I were to offer them choices during treatments. This skill is essential to me while working, as I will be able to provide compassionate, safe care for people with traumatic experiences.

References

Culturally Responsive Clinical Practice: Working with People from Migrant and Refugee Backgrounds COMPETENCY STANDARDS FRAMEWORK FOR CLINICIANS. (2019). https://cbrhl.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Culturally-responsive-clinica.pdf

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Social inclusion and non-discrimination are key social determinants of health, identified by WHO as they directly influence the overall well-being and healthcare outcomes. Social exclusion and discrimination play a negative role in Iraqi refugees in Australia, affecting their physical and mental health. Encountering systemic barriers like racism, unemployment, and language difficulties eats away at refugees' sense of belonging and increases their vulnerability to mental health issues (Correa-Velez et al., 2010). As many people struggle with navigating the healthcare system, these barriers make accessing healthcare worse, as there are shortages of interpreters and limited knowledge of available services (Davidson et al., 2004). Such exclusion puts refugees at risk of preventable illness and chronic conditions. Likewise, practices of community connections, safe cultural services, and inclusive policies foster resilience and promote better health (Refugee Council of Australia, 2023). To improve outcomes for Iraqi refugees in Australia, we need to address these social determinants for equitable healthcare access.

References

Correa-Velez, I., Gifford, S. M., & Barnett, A. G. (2010). Longing to belong: Social inclusion and wellbeing among youth with refugee backgrounds in the first three years in Melbourne, Australia. Social Science & Medicine, 71(8), 1399–1408. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2010.07.018

Davidson, N., Skull, S., Chaney, G., Frydenberg, A., Isaacs, D., Kelly, P., Lampropoulos, B., Raman, S., Silove, D., Buttery, J., Smith, M., Steel, Z., & Burgner, D. (2004). Comprehensive health assessment for newly arrived refugee children in Australia. Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, 40(9-10), 562–568. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1440-1754.2004.00465.x

Refugee Council of Australia. (2023). Refugee Council of Australia. Refugee Council of Australia; Refugee Council of Australia. https://www.refugeecouncil.org.au/

Yip, J. L. Y., Poduval, S., Souza-Thomas, L. de , Carter, S., & Fenton, K. (2024). Anti-racist interventions to reduce ethnic disparities in healthcare in the UK: an umbrella review and findings from healthcare, education and criminal justice. BMJ Open, 14(2), e075711–e075711. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2023-075711

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References

Alaa Al Qaisi. (2013, October 22). Walk in my Shoes, Asylum Seekers Documentary. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hl18FlmMsaY

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2023, November 3). Health of refugees and humanitarian entrants in Australia, About. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/cald-australians/health-of-refugees-and-humanitarian-entrants/contents/about

Australian Refugee Health» Primary Care for People of Refugee Backgrounds. (2023). Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide. https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/

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Returning From the Iraq War With PTSD - The Soldier’s Heart (full documentary) | FRONTLINE. (n.d.). Www.youtube.com. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FCOyuZ2JJI&rco=1

Slewa-Younan, S., Uribe Guajardo, M. G., Heriseanu, A., & Hasan, T. (2014). A Systematic Review of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and Depression Amongst Iraqi Refugees Located in Western Countries. Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health, 17(4), 1231–1239. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-014-0046-3

UNHCR. (2019, November 7). Iraq Refugee Crisis Explained. Www.unrefugees.org. https://www.unrefugees.org/news/iraq-refugee-crisis-explained/

World Health Organization. (2025, May 6). Refugee and Migrant Mental Health. Who.int; World Health Organization: WHO. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/refugee-and-migrant-mental-health

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Atie, M., & Mohammed, A. (2019, March 17). Water woes hit henna plant farms in Iraq’s Fao peninsula. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/article/world/water-woes-hit-henna-plant-farms-in-iraqs-fao-peninsula-idUSKCN1QY0TD/

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