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I aim to apply the standard 1.2 in all my future endeavours, nursing, professional, and other. Competency standard 1.2 of the Culturally Responsive Clinical Practice Frameworks outlines taking the traumatic experiences of refugee patients and residual impacts into account in every aspect of care and adapting our approach to provide trauma-informed care (Migrant and Refugee Women’s Health Partnership, 2019).

Previously, I have experienced assisting individuals with PTSD, anxiety, and other mental health conditions produced as a result of traumatic experiences in societal and domestic situations, which helped me understand how refugee trauma may impact care responses. When approaching patients, I must act with sensitivity, patience, and without judgement and avoid casting stereotypes or cultural assumptions to prevent retraumatising patients during care(Migrant and Refugee Women’s Health Partnership, 2019).

The frameworks articulate incorporating factors like person-centered communication and care, safe clinical environments, and appropriate trauma screening referrals.  I will continue learning to recognise trauma signs and respond respectfully, adapting my approach to provide trauma-informed care (Migrant and Refugee Women’s Health Partnership, 2019).

References:

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 (pp. 12–14). https://culturaldiversityhealth.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Culturally-responsive-clinical-practice-Working-with-people-from-migrant-and-refugee-backgrounds-Jan2019.pdf

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Many refugees are significantly impacted by the WHO social determinants of health: Social inclusion and non-discrimination, with consequences that manifest in their daily lives and physical health.

Ukrainian refugees sheltering in Australia will often delay seeking vital healthcare and treatment or underreport their symptoms to medical professionals because of stigma and mistrust in the healthcare system (Vitruk, 2023). In Ukraine, there is a general lack of understanding of how mental health and medical treatments work, resulting in heavy stigma and negative attitudes from the broader population, deterring people from pursuing help (Médecins Sans Frontières, 2024).

This reluctance is further compounded by language barriers, lack of community support, cultural disconnect, and unfamiliarity with the Australian health system, all of which can reduce access to early intervention and contribute to worsening mental and physical health. By promoting social inclusion, such as appropriate cultural social groups and community support, we can improve trust and engagement, enhancing health outcomes (World Health Organisation, 2024).

References:

Medecins Sans Frontières. (2024, July 2). Ukraine: Mental health support for those with war-related PTSD. Msf.org.au. https://msf.org.au/article/project-news/ukraine-mental-health-support-those-war-related-ptsd

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 (pp. 12–14). https://culturaldiversityhealth.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Culturally-responsive-clinical-practice-Working-with-people-from-migrant-and-refugee-backgrounds-Jan2019.pdf

Vitruk, O. (2023). Ukrainian refugee mental health profile. https://ethnomed.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Ukrainian-Refugee-Mental-Health-Profile-PDF.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com

World Health Organisation. (2022, May 2). Refugee and migrant health. Who.int; World Health Organization: WHO. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/refugee-and-migrant-health?utm_source=chatgpt.com

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Animation of tuberculosis bacteria transmition

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Tuberculosis rates in Ukraine have risen to an 18-fold higher incidence of TB compared to Australia, making tuberculosis screening a priority for Ukrainian refugee patients (The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, 2022). Tuberculosis is a communicable infection with multiple strains, spread through inhalation exposure to aerosolised droplets from individuals with active respiratory TB ( Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture Inc, 2025). Tuberculosis primarily affects the concerned individuals lungs and can produce a wide variety of symptoms.

Treatment for tuberculosis is dependent on three factors: the patient's age, strain, and progression. One method of preventative treatment for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is 6-9 months of isoniazid (10mg/kg up to 300mg daily) ( Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture Inc, 2025). This regimen is considered to be first-line and significantly reduces the risk of progression to active tuberculosis( Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture Inc, 2025).

Treatment is generally well tolerated but is known to produce adverse effects such as hepatotoxicity in patients over 35 years or with pre-existing liver conditions( Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture Inc, 2025). When patients are offered treatment, they must comprehend the disparity between LTBI and active TB, the pros and cons of treatment, and the duration of treatment ( Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture Inc, 2025).

References:

Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture Inc . (2025). Tuberculosis (TB & LTBI)» Australian Refugee Health. Refugeehealthguide.org. https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/tuberculosis-tb/

The Royal Childrens Hospital Melbourne. (2022, March). Immigrant Health Service : Ukrainian refugees - key issues. Www.rch.org.au. https://www.rch.org.au/immigranthealth/clinical/Ukrainian_refugees_-_key_issues/

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The use of medicinal plants like yarrow, guilder-rose, and St. John's-wort's has profound historical roots in Ukrainian culture and remains a common practice to this day (Kozlowska et al., 2018). It's not uncommon for Ukrainians to practice home remedies before seeking medical assistance, with studies demonstrating that both Ukrainian practitioners and patients considered herbal therapies as safer, appropriate, and preferable to use over synthetic drugs, as a preventative program, and in the treatment of chronic illness. Yarrow, also known as 'devil's nettle', has been utilised for its hemostatic and anti-inflammatory properties for centuries, as well as its gastrointestinal effects (Barkwell, n.d.). It can be combined with viburnum and nettle to be used as coagulants or to stop hemorrhaging (Dzul & Osadcha-Yanata, 2025). Yarrow is found to be most effective when the herb is dried and ground into a powder, which can then be consumed as a tea or applied topically, although it is said to be incredibly bitter (McDermott, 2017).

References:

Barkwell, L. (n.d.). Yarrow (Achillea Millefolium) as Medicine. https://www.metismuseum.ca/media/document.php/148224.Yarrow%20Medicinal.pdf

Dzul, P., & Osadcha-Yanata, N. (2025). Medicinal plants. Encyclopediaofukraine.com. https://www.encyclopediaofukraine.com/display.asp?linkpath=pages%5CM%5CE%5CMedicinalplants.htm

Kozlowska, W., Wagner, C., Moore, E. M., Matkowski, A., & Komarnytsky, S. (2018). Botanical Provenance of Traditional Medicines From Carpathian Mountains at the Ukrainian-Polish Border. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2018.00295

McDermott, A. (2017, April 3). 6 Home Remedies to Stop Bleeding. Healthline; Healthline Media. https://www.healthline.com/health/home-remedies-to-stop-bleeding#yarrow