I focused on Competency Standard 1.2(cultural safety), understanding that many Syrian refugees experience a significant amount of trauma due to conflict, displacement, and psychology related trauma, which must be addressed specially with trauma-informed care.(Culturally Responsive Clinical Practice Framework, 2019). According to World Health Organisation, 2025, nearly 50% of  the hospitals in Syria were not functioning and more than 15 million people were in need of care. This reminds me of the vast physical and psychological vulnerabilities that the Syrian patients can expose themselves to the clinical treatment provisions. I should communicate in a trauma-informed manner, such as by discussing each step, providing options and seeking consent to prevent further traumatisation.(2025 hunger crisis in Syria, 2025). Moreover, during assessment, ensuring privacy, reducing interruptions, and checking patient’s comfort are very crucial. In future, I intend to evaluate my assessments to enhance safety and trust amongst the refugee and migrants.   

Reference

Competency standards framework - migrant & refugee women’s health partnership. (2019).

https://culturaldiversityhealth.org.au/competency-standards-framework/

Syrian Arab Republic: Humanitarian Response Priorities (January to December 2025). (2025, July 24). Unocha.org. https://www.unocha.org/publications/report/syrian-arab-republic/syrian-arab-republic-humanitarian-response-priorities-january-december-2025()

Syrian Arab Republic: WHO Health Emergency Appeal 2024. (2024). Who.int. https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/syria-who-health-emergency-appeal-2024

Social inclusion and non-discrimination are pivotal WHO social determinants of health, and it significantly influence the well-being of Syrian refugees in Australia. As discrimination experienced by an individual due to ethnic, religious, or being a refugee may increase stress, anxiety, and depression (Ziersch, Due, & Walsh, 2020). On the other hand, inclusive environments where there is a sense of belonging and engagement can improve mental well-being and effective engagement into Australian society (World Health Organization [WHO], 2022). The studies demonstrate that refugees who socially experience exclusion have higher chances of complicating their healthcare access, eventually resulting in a poorer state of health (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [AIHW], 2023). other factors like discrimination and social exclusion can also worsen mental health in refugees. These concerns should be addressed based on the Policies that foster social inclusion and practices to enhance health and well-being among Syrian refugees in Australia. By fostering social cohesion and reducing discrimination practices, Australia can improve the resettlement process of refugees by ensuring a better health and an inclusive society.

            References

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2023). Health of refugees and humanitarian entrants in Australia.

https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/cald-australians/health-of-refugees-and-humanitarian-entrants

World Health Organization. (2022). Refugee and migrant health.

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/refugee-and-migrant-health

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, 108.

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-019-8068-3