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The most insightful challenge emerging from standard 2.1 is obtaining informed consent from individuals coming to Australia from Syria. I have enhanced my understanding of this process by familiarising myself with the Competency Standard Framework for Clinicians and applying these standards in clinical settings. This knowledge equips me to address communication barriers that may arise with patients from diverse cultural backgrounds. It enables me to convey information about procedures in a manner that patients can understand, allowing them to express any concerns. For instance, I would use visual representations to explain procedures, and if English proficiency is limited, I would engage an interpreter (Competency Standard Framework for Clinicians, 2019). Although I haven't yet cared for a patient with limited English, I recognise the importance of ensuring their understanding of information provided and the necessity of interpreter involvement, as communication barriers can prevent these individuals from advocating for themselves or giving informed consent.

References:

Migrant and Health Organisation. (2019). Culturally Responsive Clinical Practice: Working with People from Migrant and Refugee Backgrounds. cultraldiversityhealth.org.au. https://moodleprod.murdoch.edu.au/pluginfile.php/4578910/mod_resource/content/4/Culturally-responsive-clinical-practice-Working-with-people-from-migrant-and-refugee-backgrounds-Jan2019.pdf

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Social Determinants of Health and Wellbeing:

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Social Determinants of Health and Wellbeing:

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WHO. (2022) Social Determinants of Health. https://moodleprod.murdoch.edu.au/pluginfile.php/4578910/mod_resource/content/4/Culturally-responsive-clinical-practice-Working-with-people-from-migrant-and-refugee-backgrounds-Jan2019.pdf

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Spiritual/Supernatural beliefs:

In Syrian culture, a rich blend of Islamic Sufism and various Christian traditions creates unique spiritual practices that aid in managing illnesses and disorders. Many Syrians draw strength from their faith in Allah, particularly when facing challenges like PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). By viewing their struggles through a spiritual lens, individuals often find healing in practices such as prayer and attending mosque services, which foster a strong sense of community. (The Relationship Between Spirituality and Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms in Syrian Adolescents in Jordan, 2022).  This communal support is essential as it allows individuals to share experiences and rely on their beliefs to cope with severe trauma. The power of collective faith not only helps manage psychological distress but also promotes resilience, emphasising spirituality's critical role in healing. Research indicates that many Syrians affected by the Civil War experience high success rates in managing their PTSD through prayer, showcasing how faith can be a powerful tool in navigating the difficulties of their circumstances.

References:

Ramadan, M., Kheirallah, K., Saleh, T., Bellizzi, S., & Shorman, E. (2022). The Relationship Between Spirituality and Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms in Syrian Adolescents in Jordan. Journal of Child & Adolescent Trauma, 15(3), 585–593. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40653-021-00401-w

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Principle Health Issues Confronting Syrian Migrants:

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Principle Health Issues Confronting Syrian Migrants:

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Country focus: Syria

Syria is a country found in West Asia and at the Eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea. Being located in this area, Syrian migrants would have faced the devastation of the Civil War. It has experienced significant conflict regarding the unemployment drought and lack of political freedom. Having suffered substantial crises and conflict, Syrians have had a major increase in infection and disease because of the poor living conditions these individuals faced during this time. Since this occurrence of TB (Tuberculosis) outbreak, Australia is finding 66% of 620,000 Syrian refugees were in need of assistance, resulting in Syria being listed as one of the top contenders for asylum from their home country (Australian Health Refugee Health Practice Guide, 2025). The treatment options available for these individuals include preventive treatment of LTBI is 6–9 months of isoniazid (10mg/kg up to 300mg daily).

References:

Australian Health Refugee Health Practice Guide. (2025). Primary Care for People from Refugee Backgrounds. https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/tuberculosis-tb/

Ozaras, R., Leblebicioglu, H., Sunbul, M., Tabak, F., Balkan, I. I., Yemisen, M., Sencan, I., & Ozturk, R. (2016). The Syrian conflict and infectious diseases. Expert Review of Anti-Infective Therapy, 14(6), 547–555. https://doi.org/10.1080/14787210.2016.1177457