# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Canva image symbolising trauma-informed and culturally safe nursing care.

# data[].attributes.headline
Domain 1, Standard 1.2 – Demonstrating Respect for Cultural Identity

# data[].attributes.subject
Domain 1, Standard 1.2 – Demonstrating Respect for Cultural Identity

# data[].attributes.body
The Culturally Responsive Clinical Practice Framework (2019) explains that clinicians must recognise the impact of trauma and refugee experiences when assessing, diagnosing and caring for patients, including those who have fled war, such as Ukrainian refugees. Learning about this part of the framework really interested me because it actually deepened my understanding of trauma-informed care and how refugee experiences can impact not only the patient but their families, too. From my time working for the Scottish Ambulance Service, I am used to practicing in a multicultural society where, in emergencies, we often relied on family members to interpret due to time pressures. I now see this approach, while sometimes necessary in emergencies, may not be the most appropriate for newly arrived refugees who have fled war and carry trauma, such as Ukrainian refugees. I now understand it can risk retraumatising loved ones and breaching confidentiality (Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide, 2023). This has not only strengthened my understanding of the importance of NAATI-credentialed interpreters in such sensitive situations but also my commitment to applying trauma-informed strategies to provide safe and respectful care to refugees in my future nursing practice.

References

Migrant & Refugee Women’s Health Partnership. (2019). Culturally responsive clinical practice: Working with people from migrant and refugee backgrounds – Competency standards framework for clinicians. Retrieved September 1, 2025, from https://culturaldiversityhealth.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Culturally-responsive-clinical-practice-Working-with-people-from-migrant-and-refugee-backgrounds-Jan2019.pdf

Australian Refugee Health. (n.d.). Communication and interpreters. Retrieved September 1, 2025, from https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/communication-and-interpreters/

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Image: Pixabay (truthseeker08) symbolising unity and exclusion in healthcare. 

# data[].attributes.headline
WHO Social Determinant of Health Social Inclusion & Non-Discrimination for Ukrainian Refugees

# data[].attributes.subject
WHO Social Determinant of Health Social Inclusion & Non-Discrimination for Ukrainian Refugees

# data[].attributes.body
The World Health Organisation (2023) identifies social inclusion and non-discrimination as essential social determinants of health, as exclusion and prejudice can significantly harm physical and mental health outcomes. Ukrainian refugees arriving in Australia often have to face language barriers, disrupted social and family networks and the trauma of displacement, placing them at much greater risk of anxiety, depression and PTSD (AIHW, 2023).

Research shows that for Ukrainians, strong family ties and community inclusion are key protective factors for resilience, while faith-based coping strategies, which are often helpful in other refugee groups, were not strongly linked to better psychological outcomes (Rizzi et al., 2023). This highlights the importance of culturally tailored care and social connection for recovery.

Without inclusion, Ukrainian refugees may avoid health services, worsening their mental health. Feeling welcome and supported is essential for their well-being. This really opened my eyes to how much feeling welcome and supported can change someone's health journey. For Ukrainian patients who have lost so much, I would ensure to make them feel heard and understood, thus creating a safe environment. I would take time to listen and connect Ukrainian patients with community supports so they feel they belong and can trust the care they receive.

References

World Health Organization. (2023). Social determinants of health. World Health Organization. Retrieved August 28, 2025, from https://www.who.int/health-topics/social-determinants-of-health

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2025). Health of refugees and humanitarian entrants in Australia. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/cald-australians/health-of-refugees-and-humanitarian-entrants/contents/summary (See also overview hub: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports-data/population-groups/cald-australians/refugee-and-humanitarian-entrant-health

Rizzi, M., Moro, M. R., Chhouri, I., & Baubet, T. (2023). Mental health of Ukrainian civilian war survivors and refugees: A systematic review. Frontiers in Psychology, 14, 1266125. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1266125 (See the line that faith-based strategies were not related to psychological symptoms, while social support/inclusion were protective.)

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Ukraine flag representing the chosen cultural group. 

# data[].attributes.headline
Tuberculosis Screening and Management in Ukrainian Refugees 

# data[].attributes.subject
Tuberculosis Screening and Management in Ukrainian Refugees 

# data[].attributes.body
The Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide recommends TB screening for all newly arrived refugees because of the higher risk of infection from disrupted health systems, overcrowding and limited healthcare during displacement (Refugee Health Network of Australia [RHNA], 2022).

Ukraine has one of the highest TB rates in Europe, including multidrug-resistant TB, which makes treatment more complex and increases the need for early screening (World Health Organization [WHO], 2023). I now understand why TB checks are a priority for Ukrainian refugees.

I've learned that screening usually involves a health history, symptom check, check x-ray and further tests if needed, referrals to specialist services (RHNA, 2022). I have been through this screening myself as a migrant to Australia but learning it from a nursing perspective has deepened my understanding of why each step matters. I now also see how trauma and fear could effect this process, motivating me to focus on empathy, clear communication and creating a calm, supportive environment.

References

Refugee Health Network of Australia. (2022). Australian refugee health practice guide – Tuberculosis. Victorian Refugee Health Network. Retrieved September 1, 2025, from https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/tuberculosis-tb/

World Health Organization. (2022). WHO issues information note on ensuring continuity of essential TB services for people with or at risk of the disease in Ukraine and refugee-hosting countries. Retrieved September 1, 2025, from https://www.who.int/news/item/19-05-2022-who-issues-information-note-on-ensuring-continuity-of-essential-tb-services-for-people-with-or-at-risk-of-the-disease-in-ukraine-and-refugee-hosting-countries

# data[].attributes.headline
Traditional Health Remedies and Antibiotic Access in Ukraine Healthcare 

# data[].attributes.subject
Traditional Health Remedies and Antibiotic Access in Ukraine Healthcare 

# data[].attributes.body
World Health Organization. (2021, November 11). "Consult your doctor about antibiotics first": using digital marketing to tackle antimicrobial resistance in Ukraine. Retrieved August 28, 2025, from https://www.who.int/europe/news/item/11-11-2021-consult-your-doctor-about-antibiotics-first-using-digital-marketing-to-tackle-antimicrobial-resistance-in-Ukraine

Ivan Honchar Museum. (2021, December 10). Folk Medicine. Retrieved August 28, 2025, from https://honchar.org.ua/en/blog/folk-medicine-i178