I have developed my understanding that in some cultures it is essential to involve family while making decision for patient instead of just informing them about the procedure of treatment.

Having read about this I now feel more confident about dealing with patients from different backgrounds and cultures.

This knowledge would be very useful in my workplace because it will improve my performance and booster patients and their families's trust on healthcare system, hence, fostering their treatment.

Because, I have not yet have practical experience, I will now need to develop my ability to navigate these complexities in a clinical setting by gathering more knowledge.

Previously, I thought to neglect background knowledge of a patient and their past experiences due to lack of understanding.

Alternatively, this awareness and understanding will lead to more holistic and person centered approach to therapy.

Working Group of the 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 (January 2019). Migrant and 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

Hampe, N., 2013. (2013). Reflective Practice and Writing: a Guide to Getting Started. https://www.betterevaluation.org/sites/default/files/Reflective.Practice.Writing.Guide20130409JB.pdf

A similar story of 10 year old Syrian girl attempting to start over is shared by Australia for UNHCR (n.d.). But so many of them are still experiencing anxiety or loneliness in the absence of support. Some people also have difficulty trusting doctors, health care system or receiving the necessary care. Improving health services' hospitability and cultural sensitivity can improve their wellbeing (Majumdar et al., 2022).
Syrian refugees are more likely to maintain their health and thrive in their new communities when they feel welcomed and supported. Inclusion isn't simply nice; it's essential for good health.

Australia for UNHCR. (n.d.). Refugee story – Syria 10 years on. https://www.unrefugees.org.au/our-stories/refugee-story-syria-10-years-on/

Majumdar, B., O’Leary, J., & Brown, J. (2022). Refugee health in Australia: Addressing the social determinants. Australian Journal of Social Issues, 57(1), 50–68. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajs4.186

Silove, D., Ventevogel, P., & Rees, S. (2017). The contemporary refugee crisis: An overview of mental health challenges. World Psychiatry, 16(2), 130–139. https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.20438

World Health Organization. (2024). Social determinants of health. https://www.who.int/health-topics/social-determinants-of-health

Trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This treatment helps people gradually encounter difficult experiences and build coping strategies in a safe and supportive environment (Silove et al., 2017). For Syrian refugees, using interpreters and culturally sensitive care is critically important for building their trust in health care system and surrounding and improving mental health results (Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide, 2022).

With adequate support, children like Yara and many others can recover from trauma and begin a better life in Australia.

Australia for UNHCR. (n.d.). Refugee story – Syria 10 years on. https://www.unrefugees.org.au/our-stories/refugee-story-syria-10-years-on/

Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide. (2022). Mental health: Refugees, asylum seekers and PTSD. https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/mental-health/

Silove, D., Ventevogel, P., & Rees, S. (2017). The contemporary refugee crisis: An overview of mental health challenges. World Psychiatry, 16(2), 130–139. https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.20438

Obón, C., Rivera, D., Alcaraz, F., & Attieh, L. (2014). Zhourat: A multivariate analysis of the globalization of a herbal tea from the Middle East. Appetite, 79, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2014.03.024

Serhan, M., Beyrouthy, M., Menhem, C., Mattar, J., & Hassan, H. (2024). Health potential of Zhourat Middle East Herbal Tea. In Natural Products in Beverages (pp. 1–27). Reference Series in Phytochemistry. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-04195-2_128-1

Alrayhanjo. (2023, June). Zhourat Shamia herbal blend display [Photograph]. Alrayhanjo. https://alrayhanjo.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/FHH010-600x467.jpg

Al Rayhan. (n.d.). Packaged Zhourat Shamia herbal blend [Photograph]. Al Rayhan. https://alrayhanjo.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/45-scaled-e1742028307418.jpg

Limited, A. (n.d.-b). Spices, herbs and dried flowers in the Souk of Aleppo, Syria. Alamy Images. https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-spices-herbs-and-dried-flowers-in-the-souk-of-aleppo-syria-32234633.html

World Food Program USA. (2021, May 18). It’s Tea Time at Mohamad’s House, and the Whole World’s Invited - World Food Program USA. https://www.wfpusa.org/news/international-tea-day-syrian-refugees-lebanon/