Clinical yarning training offered to Mid West health staff to improve communication with Aboriginal patients

Almost 200 health workers in Geraldton and Mullewa have taken part in “clinical yarning” training, in a bid to help them better communicate with Aboriginal patients and their families.

The WA Centre for Rural Health’s (WACRH) clinical yarning implementation research team and the WA Country Health Service (WACHS) have joined forces to provide this training to clinical health staff across the Mid West.

Described as a “yarn with a purpose”, the training method is a tool to help clinicians “achieve effective patient-centred communication that is more culturally secure for Aboriginal patients and their families”.

To date, almost 190 staff in Geraldton and Mullewa have participated in the training.

The workshops are being offered to WACHS clinical health teams, including medical, nursing, allied health and support staff such as patient care assistants, allied health assistants and nursing assistants.

It is delivered in a four-hour workshop, or as an online program, as well as a two-hour face-to-face workshop offering practical scenarios and simulation.

The training aims to help staff understand common communication barriers for Aboriginal people in healthcare and develop effective ways to overcome them.

WACHS Mid West dietitian Fran Foulkes-Taylor has completed the training and is championing the program.

“I believe clinical yarning is an essential training tool for new and experienced health professionals, as it formalises the most important aspect of our work — to build trust and understanding with our clients to enhance their health outcomes,” she said.

“Participating in the next step of research, which involved filming and getting feedback on my clinical yarning skills in-session, was highly valuable in enhancing my existing practice and identifying areas for improvement.”

Clinical yarning training is being held in Carnarvon this month and Mount Magnet and Meekatharra in June. Three remaining sessions will be held in Geraldton in June.