Revealing some awareness of cultural issues conveys interest, concern and respect. This is likely to enhance rapport with your patients, as long as you don't assume that you know what they think and believe. Individuals are not cultural cardboard cutouts, yet they are influenced by their socio-cultural context and by their changing circumstances. Australian South Sea Islanders, for example, have been in Australia for over a century. Other communities have arrived relatively recently, and many of their members may still be finding ways to interact with other cultures and communities, and new institutions and environments Not all people identify with their ethnic cultural background.
Refugees are as diverse a group as any other people.
People from a wide range of backgrounds may end up in the same circumstances as a result of political and economic turmoil. On the other hand, being aware that people share common problems or situations can help in understanding their health needs. In addition, much is common across cultures. For example, most patients are nervous of clinical environments and are reluctant to question their doctors - regardless of their educational status, occupation, or ability to speak English. You need to be aware of your own cultural assumptions and of the culture of hospitals and bio-medicine, as well as its impact on people for whom this is unfamiliar.