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Domain 1: Clinical Expert, competency standard 1.4

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Domain 1: Clinical Expert, competency standard 1.4

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In Syrian culture, family plays a vital role in shaping health decisions (Metro South Health, 2016). By actively involving patients and their families in healthcare discussions, I will gain valuable insights into cultural beliefs and preferences (Migrant & Refugee Women’s Health Partnership, 2023).

For example, if a Syrian patient prefers traditional remedies, I can incorporate these into their care plan, aligning with Standard 1.4, which emphasises the importance of family context in health decisions (Migrant & Refugee Women’s Health Partnership, 2023).

Since only 3% of Syrian refugees speak English, to ensure effective communication, I will use methods such as the teach-back technique to confirm the patient understands their health information (Migrant & Refugee Women’s Health Partnership, 2023; Victorian Department of Health, 2023; Transcultural Mental Health Centre, 2024).

Additionally, acknowledging language and health literacy barriers, I plan to adapt my approach to encourage feedback while maintaining dignity and respect in all interactions. I will also review current literature, including government multicultural health plans, which emphasise the need to tailor healthcare practices to diverse cultural backgrounds (Horvat et al., 2014).

This combined focus on cultural awareness and family engagement will direct my efforts to provide quality, person-centred care that honours the unique perspectives of Syrian patients.

References:

Horvat, L., Horey, D., Romios, P., & Kis-Rigo, J. (2014). Cultural competence education for health professionals. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2014(5), CD009405. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD009405.pub2

Migrant and Refugee Women’s Health Partnership. (2019). Culturally responsive clinical practice: Working with people from migrant and refugee backgrounds – Competency standards framework for clinicians. Migration Council Australia. https://culturaldiversityhealth.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Culturally-responsive-clinical-practice-Working-with-people-from-migrant-and-refugee-backgrounds-Jan2019.pdf

Migrant and Refugee Women’s Health Partnership. (2019). Culturally responsive clinical practice: Working with people from migrant and refugee backgrounds – Competency standards framework for clinicians [Screenshot]. Migration Council Australia. https://culturaldiversityhealth.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Culturally-responsive-clinical-practice-Working-with-people-from-migrant-and-refugee-backgrounds-Jan2019.pdf

Transcultural Mental Health Centre. (2024). Syrian community mental health profile. NSW Department of Health. https://www.dhi.health.nsw.gov.au/transcultural-mental-health-centre-tmhc/resources/community-mental-health-profiles-and-information-resources/syrian-community-mental-health-profile

Victorian Department of Health. (2023). Multicultural health action plan 2023–2027. Victorian Government. https://content.health.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-05/multicultural-health-action-plan-2023-27.pdf

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The Impact of Social Inclusion and Non-Discrimination on Syrian Refugees in Australia.

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The Impact of Social Inclusion and Non-Discrimination on Syrian Refugees in Australia.

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As Australia welcomes Syrian refugees, understanding social inclusion and non-discrimination as WHO social determinants of health is crucial. By fostering an inclusive environment and ensuring equitable access to healthcare, Australian society can significantly enhance health outcomes for Syrian refugees (Horvat et al., 2014; United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees [UNHCR], 2025; Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2024).

Social inclusion involves enabling full participation in society by providing access to resources, services, and opportunities, while respecting the rights and dignity of all individuals (UNHCR, 2025).

For Syrian refugees, inclusion offers health benefits, including improved mental health and access to healthcare (Dangmann et al., 2022). Socially included refugees often have lower anxiety and depression, developing a more profound sense of belonging that creates communities where people feel comfortable seeking help and following treatment (Hyne, 2018; TMHC, 2024; Virupaksha et al., 2014).

Non-discrimination is a fundamental human rights principle that ensures refugees are treated with dignity and respect (WHO, 2023; UNHCR, 2025). Syrian refugees face barriers to healthcare access due to language and cultural differences (TMHC, 2024).

Promoting non-discriminatory practices helps these refugees assert their rights, navigate healthcare more effectively, and achieve improved health literacy, health-seeking behaviours, and outcomes (TMHC, 2024; Virupaksha et al., 2014).

References:

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2024). Social determinants of health. Australia's health. Australian Government. Retrieved August 29, 2025, from https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/australias-health/social-determinants-of-health AIHW

Dangmann, C., Dybdahl, R., & Solberg, Ø. (2022). Mental health in refugee children. Current Opinion in Psychology, 48, Article 101460. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2022.101460

Horvat, L., Horey, D., Romios, P., & Kis-Rigo, J. (2014). Cultural competence education for health professionals. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2014(5), CD009405. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD009405.pub2

Hyne, N. (2018). The role of social networks in the health of refugees. International Journal of Migration, Health and Social Care, 14(1), 80-88.

Lady Gaga. (2023, June 15) Born This Way [Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sskP6PSfP1M&list=RDsskP6PSfP1M&start_radio=1

Transcultural Mental Health Centre. (2024). Syrian community mental health profile. NSW Department of Health. https://www.dhi.health.nsw.gov.au/transcultural-mental-health-centre-tmhc/resources/community-mental-health-profiles-and-information-resources/syrian-community-mental-health-profile

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. (n.d.). Social inclusion guide: Background guide for the MUN Refugee Challenge [PDF]. UNHCR. Retrieved August 29, 2025, from https://www.unhcr.org/sites/default/files/legacy-pdf/5fc126354.pdf

Virupaksha, H. G., Kumar, A., & Nirmala, B. P. (2014). Migration and mental health: An interface. Journal of natural science, biology, and medicine, 5(2), 233–239. https://doi.org/10.4103/0976-9668.136141

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Addressing Under-Immunisation in Syrian Refugees: Insights from the Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide.

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Addressing Under-Immunisation in Syrian Refugees: Insights from the Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide.

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The Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide emphasises under-immunisation as a prevalent health issue among Syrian refugees resettling in Australia (Singleton et al., 2025). Despite Syria’s strong pre-conflict immunisation program, which achieved over 95% coverage, the ongoing civil war significantly disrupted healthcare services, resulting in a 50% drop in vaccination rates (Kiang & Paxton, 2025; Singleton et al., 2025).

Under-immunisation heightens the risk of preventable diseases, creating public health concerns (Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, 2025). Immunisations currently prevent up to five million deaths by working with the body to build its natural defences to fight disease (World Health Organization, 2025).

The Guide recommends a comprehensive ‘Catch-up Immunisation Program’ for refugees upon arrival, which aligns with the Australian National Immunisation Program schedule, ensuring that the immunisation status of a refugee is comparable to that of an Australian-born individual of the same age (Paxton et al., 2018; Singleton et al., 2025).

This process includes an initial health check, verification of immunisation records, screening for contraindications, and administration of any due vaccines (Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, 2025). Follow-up ensures the completion of the vaccine series, promoting effective immunity and safeguarding the health of refugees and communities (Paxton et al., 2018; Singleton et al., 2025).

References:

Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. (2025, August 26). Vaccination for migrants, refugees and people seeking asylum in Australia. Australian Immunisation Handbook. https://immunisationhandbook.health.gov.au/contents/vaccination-for-special-risk-groups/vaccination-for-migrants-refugees-and-people-seeking-asylum-in-australia

Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. (2025, August 26). Vaccination for migrants, refugees and people seeking asylum in Australia [Image]. Australian Immunisation Handbook. https://immunisationhandbook.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-10/Publication-Vaccination-for-migrants-refugees-and-people-seeking-asylum.PDF

Kiang, K., & Paxton, G. (2025). Syrian refugees – key issues. Immigrant Health Service, Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne. https://www.rch.org.au/immigranthealth/clinical/syrian-refugees

Paxton, G. A., Spink, P. C. G., Danchin, M. H., Tyrrell, L., Taylor, C. L., Casey, S., & Graham, H. R. (2018). Catching up with catch-up: a policy analysis of immunisation for refugees and asylum seekers in Victoria. Australian Journal of Primary Health, 24(6), 480–490. https://doi.org/10.1071/PY17049

Singleton, G., Hocking, D., Gardiner, J., & Paxton, G. (2025). Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide: Primary care for people of refugee backgrounds. Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture Inc. https://refugeehealthguide.org.au

World Health Organization. (2025). Vaccines and immunization. https://www.who.int/health-topics/vaccines-and-immunization#tab=tab_1

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Traditional Plant-Based Therapies in Syrian Culture

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Traditional Plant-Based Therapies in Syrian Culture

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Traditional plant-based therapies have been a core part of Syrian healthcare for centuries. These treatments, rooted in ancient traditions and cultural heritage, utilise a range of local herbs and plants renowned for their healing properties (Sakr, n.d.). Syria is renowned for its diverse array of plant species with medicinal properties, which have been utilised since ancient times. More than 3500 species have been found in Syria, hundreds of which may have medicinal and therapeutic significance (Alachkar et al., 2011).

These traditional therapies reflect the deep connection Syrians have with their natural environment. Families often pass down knowledge of these remedies, blending ancient wisdom with modern practices, ensuring that these herbal traditions continue to thrive in contemporary society (Khatib et al., 2021)

Today, there are hundreds of unprocessed medications rooted in traditional practices, which are free from synthetic or chemical substances. Most of their therapeutic benefits were discovered by chance or coincidence (Sakr, n.d.).

References:

Alachkar, A., Jaddouh, A., Elshelkh, M. S., Billa, A. R., & Vincieri, F.F. (2011). Traditional Medicine in Syria: Folk Medicine in Aleppo Governorate. Natural product communications. 6. 79-84. 10.1177/1934578X1100600119.

Almeida, L. (n.d.). Chamomile [Photograph]. The Spruce. https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-grow-chamomile-1402627

Good Food. (2025) Thyme [Photograph]. BBC Good Food. https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/glossary/thyme-glossary

Good Food. (2025) Mint [Photograph]. BBC Good Food. https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/glossary/mint-glossary

Khatib, C., Nattouf, A., & Hasan Agha, M. I. (2021). Traditional medicines and their common uses in central region of Syria: Hama and Homs - an ethnomedicinal survey. Pharmaceutical biology, 59(1), 778–788. https://doi.org/10.1080/13880209.2021.1936078

Sakr, R. (n.d.). Traditional Medicine in Syria: Knowledge, Beliefs & Experiences. Syria Trust for Development. https://archive.unesco-ichcap.org/kor/ek/sub8/pdf_file/09/7.%20Traditional%20Medicine%20in%20Syria-Knowledge,%20Beliefs%20&%20Experiences.pdf