Ukrainian Culture by

Reflection – Domain 1 (Competency 1.2)

35653964 — 2025-08-31 09:10:53 UTC

For this reflection, I chose Competency Standard 1.2 from the Culturally Responsive Clinical Practice Framework.

I believe using a trained interpreter is essential when caring for Ukrainian refugees who may not speak English fluently. In my future nursing practice, I will always offer an interpreter instead of relying on family members, to ensure the patient’s rights and confidentiality are respected. (Migrant & Refugee Women’s Health Partnership, 2019).

I plan to use simple, clear language, allow extra time for communication, and apply the teach-back method to confirm understanding. This will help me provide culturally safe care and build trust with patients.

By applying this standard, I aim to reduce communication barriers and improve health outcomes for people from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Reference

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

The Impact of Social Inclusion and Non-Discrimination on the Health of Ukrainian Refugees

35653964 — 2025-08-31 09:49:46 UTC

Social inclusion and non-discrimination are essential WHO social determinants influencing refugee health outcomes. For Ukrainian refugees arriving in Australia, inclusive health systems improve access to primary care, vaccination, and mental health services, while discrimination contributes to care avoidance, delayed diagnoses, and poorer health outcomes (WHO, 2008; WHO Europe, 2018).

In Ukraine, disrupted healthcare and war-related trauma increase vulnerability to chronic diseases and psychological distress. In Australia, culturally responsive nursing can promote inclusion by offering interpreters, respecting preferred names, and building trust. Refugees connected to community services report higher vaccination rates and better mental well-being, demonstrating the positive effect of inclusive policies (Paradies et al., 2015; AIHW, 2023).

Supporting inclusion is therefore critical for improving both individual health outcomes and public health equity.

Reference

AIHW. (2023). Health of refugees and humanitarian entrants in Australia, Summary. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/cald-australians/health-of-refugees-and-humanitarian-entrants/contents/summary

Paradies, Y., Ben, J., Denson, N., Elias, A., Priest, N., Pieterse, A., Gupta, A., Kelaher, M., & Gee, G. (2015). Racism as a Determinant of Health: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. PLOS ONE, 10(9), 1–48. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0138511

World Health Organization. (2008). Closing the gap in a generation: health equity through action on the social determinants of health - Final report of the commission on social determinants of health. Who.int; World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/WHO-IER-CSDH-08.1?utm_source=.com

World Health Organization Europe. (2018). Report on the health of refugees and migrants in the WHO European Region : no public health without refugee and migrant health. World Health Organization, Regional Office For Europe, Cop.

Tuberculosis in Ukrainian Refugees: Evidence-Based Screening and Treatment

35653964 — 2025-08-31 09:51:47 UTC

Tuberculosis (TB) is a major concern among Ukrainian refugees due to disrupted healthcare, reduced vaccination rates, and crowded shelters that increase transmission risk (WHO Europe, 2022).

On arrival in Australia, refugees from high-risk regions are routinely screened using symptom checks, chest X-rays, and IGRA testing (ARHPG, 2023). Where TB is diagnosed, treatment usually involves a six-month regimen of isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol, delivered under directly observed therapy (DOT) to ensure adherence and limit drug resistance (ARHPG, 2023; WHO, 2020).

Nurses support patients by using interpreters and clear education to improve understanding and compliance. Early detection and evidence-based care improve outcomes and help reduce broader public health risks.

Reference

Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide. (2023). Tuberculosis (TB & LTBI)» Australian Refugee Health. Refugeehealthguide.org.au. https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/tuberculosis-tb/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

World Health Organization. (2020). Global tuberculosis report 2020. World Health Organization.

WHO Regional Office for Europe. (2022). Tuberculosis in the WHO European Region. World Health Organization. https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/340277/WHOEURO-2021-1980-41731-57122-eng.pdf?sequence=1&utm_source=.com

35653964 — 2025-08-31 09:55:24 UTC

Please watch the first 30 seconds of the video. This video talks about cherished Ukrainian folk remedies passed down through generations among settler communities. These remedies are rooted in cultural values of ancestral wisdom and home-based healing practices. As a culturally responsive nurse, I will ask respectfully: “Do you use any traditional remedies at home?” Documenting such beliefs allows me to identify possible drug-herb interactions (e.g., honey with wounds, herbs with anticoagulants), and to guide safe integration of beneficial practices. Using interpreters and providing bilingual health materials, I can validate these traditions while educating on safety, ensuring treatment aligns with both patient values and clinical best practices.(Ivan Honchar Museum, 2021; WHO, 2014)

Reference

Ivan Honchar Museum. (2021). Folk Medicine. Honchar.org.ua. https://honchar.org.ua/en/blog/folk-medicine-i178?utm_source=.com

World Health Organization. (2014). WHO traditional medicine strategy: 2014-2023. Who.int. https://doi.org/9789241506090