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Standard 3.2 - How will I apply this to my future nursing practice?

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Standard 3.2 - How will I apply this to my future nursing practice?

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For me the most significant aspect of standard 3.2 was understanding the medico-legal risks of neglecting to engage interpreters in critical clinical conversations because patients with limited English proficiency have a higher probability of medication-related harm (Hampton, 2010). Initially, I did not think about how health decisions are often shared collectively in Syrian families and the risk of inaccuracy when relying on family members (Hampton, 2010). Having read standard 3.2, I have realised that culturally sensitive communication can enhance the provision of primary care and preventative services (Hampton, 2010). Therefore, I will need to involve professional interpreters in interactions such as explaining adverse effects of medication because patient safety may be compromised without proper language support (Hampton, 2010). I have improved my ability to recognise the importance of qualified interpreters because engaging a qualified interpreter is essential to safe and culturally responsive care (Hampton, 2010). This knowledge will be useful to me in the workplace because I will be able to uphold medico-legal responsibilities while supporting patient-centred care (Hampton, 2010).

Hampton, M. (2010). Reflective writing: A basic introduction. http://www.port.ac.uk/media/contacts-and-departments/student-support-services/ask/downloads/Reflective-writing---a-basic-introduction.pdf

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Social inclusion and non-discrimination is a key social determinant that influence Syrian refugees’ health outcomes across diverse environments. According to a recent study, Syrian refugees in Australia who experience discrimination have greater psychological distress and lower self-rated physical health (Ziersch et al., 2020). Social exclusion may cause higher rates of anxiety, PTSD & depression in Syrian refugees which creates barriers when accessing healthcare leading to many refugees delaying or avoiding healthcare (Nguyen et al., 2024). An Australian study illustrated that 22% of resettled refugees reported discrimination and the majority believed it had a negative effect on their health (Ziersch et al., 2020). Conversely, social inclusion has been linked with improved psychosocial well-being and decreased depression rates (Khatri & Assefa, 2022). Research indicates that refugees with social support and community networks have better access to health information thereby improving their health behaviours (Lawrence et al., 2022). Community participation such as language exchange programs and non-discriminatory policies with an emphasis on culturally responsive care has been proven to improve health outcomes in Syrian refugee populations in Australia (Ziersch et al., 2020).

Khatri, R. B., & Assefa, Y. (2022). Access to Health Services among Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Populations in the Australian Universal Health Care system: Issues and Challenges. BMC Public Health, 22(1), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-022-13256-z

Lawrence, J. A., Kaplan, I., Korkees, D., Stow, M., & Dodds, A. E. (2022). Perspectives and feelings of refugee children from Syria and Iraq about places and relations as they resettle in Australia. Transcultural Psychiatry, 60(1), 136346152211072. https://doi.org/10.1177/13634615221107215

Nguyen, T. P., Al Asaad, M., Sena, M., & Slewa-Younan, S. (2024). Loneliness and social isolation amongst refugees resettled in high-income countries: a systematic review. Social Science & Medicine, 360(1), 117340. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.117340

Ziersch, A., Due, C., & Walsh, M. (2020). Discrimination: a Health Hazard for People from Refugee and asylum-seeking Backgrounds Resettled in Australia. BMC Public Health, 20(1), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-019-8068-3

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A common health issue faced by Syrian refugees resettling in Australia is vitamin D deficiency, which may be due to several factors, such as traditional clothing that limits sun exposure, darker skin tones, and displacement that causes disorganised lifestyle patterns (The Australian Refugee Health Guide [ARHG], 2025). Research suggests that almost 80% of Syrian refugees experience a mild deficiency, which can lead to osteomalacia in children and osteoporosis in adults (ARHG,2025). Additionally, displacement and resettlement may reduce vitamin D intake due to dependence on food aid or low-cost staples. According to the ARHG (2025), screening is recommended for high-risk groups arriving in Australia, and oral vitamin D supplements are advised. These high-risk groups mainly include women and children from Middle Eastern backgrounds, and daily vitamin D supplements, along with adequate calcium, are provided (Peprah et al., 2024). However, clear explanations with professional interpreters are fundamental when delivering culturally responsive care, as they may enhance trust and adherence to supplementation.

The Australian Refugee Health Guide. (2025). https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/low-vitamin-d/

Peprah, P., Lloyd, J., & Harris, M. (2024). Responding to health literacy of refugees in australian primary health care settings: A qualitative study of barriers and potential solutions. BMC Health Services Research, 24(1), 757. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-024-11192-9

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Syrian refugees follow Islamic cultural frameworks with the belief that Quranic verses and prayer can heal or provide comfort (Alwan et al., 2020). Additionally, many Syrians believe that sudden illnesses may be due to supernatural forces called the Jinn or evil eye (Alwan et al., 2020). For example, anxiety or depression is thought to be spirit-possession and traditional healing may be required to treat these conditions. Traditional healing alternatively known as ruqyah is the reciting of Quranic verses to treat perceived ailments (Al Laham et al., 2020). As formal psychiatric care is inaccessible or stigmatized, traditional methods can serve as the first line of support and provide individuals comfort (Al Laham et al., 2020). Although families traditionally pray together and offer community support, individuals seeking mental health help face stigma as many families would prefer culturally acceptable treatments such as blessings and visits from spiritual healers (Al Laham et al., 2020). To respect these beliefs and adapt care accordingly, culturally sensitive interventions are required such as cultural liaisons and community partnerships.

Al Laham, D., Ali, E., Mousally, K., Nahas, N., Alameddine, A., & Venables, E. (2020). Perceptions and Health-Seeking Behaviour for Mental Illness Among Syrian Refugees and Lebanese Community Members in Wadi Khaled, North Lebanon: A Qualitative Study. Community Mental Health Journal, 56(5). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-020-00551-5

Alwan, R. M., Schumacher, D. J., Cicek-Okay, S., Jernigan, S., Beydoun, A., Salem, T., & Vaughn, L. M. (2020). Beliefs, perceptions, and behaviors impacting healthcare utilization of Syrian refugee children. PLOS ONE, 15(8), e0237081. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0237081