Yana, heart and stroke healing

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This preventable condition presents challenges in management due to factors such as limited health literacy, insufficient cultural understanding, and communication barriers. Addressing these gaps is crucial for improving health outcomes in these communities.

The Yana training consists of five free, accredited eLearning modules developed in collaboration between AGPAL and the Stroke Foundation, with funding from the Australian Government. These self-paced, online modules are designed to equip healthcare professionals—both Indigenous and non-Indigenous—with the knowledge and skills to deliver culturally appropriate care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients during the management of heart disease and stroke.

The modules focus on enhancing the ability of General Practitioners and frontline healthcare workers to provide coordinated, culturally secure care in remote and urban settings. Through interactive content and case studies, participants will learn about the importance of cultural sensitivity in addressing cardiovascular disease and the unique health needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The online format ensures that these resources are accessible and flexible for healthcare workers across Australia.

Module 1: The importance of Culturally Responsive Care. Estimated time 80-120 min

This module delves into the impact of cardiovascular disease on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities through patient stories and statistical data. It explores how gaps in healthcare delivery can hinder early intervention and prevention efforts, and the role of historical policies in fostering mistrust toward the healthcare system. The module aims to provide strategies for building trust and aligning healthcare practices with Indigenous perspectives.

Learning outcomes:

1. Develop the ability to describe cultural safety definitions and principles to support culturally safe and responsive healthcare for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
2. Enhance understanding of the epidemiology of cardiovascular and stroke illnesses within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
3. Gain insight into the historical context that has contributed to health inequities experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Module 2: Discussing Heart and Stroke Health. Estimated time 80-120 min

Exploring unconscious biases and holistic community health perspectives in the context of heart and stroke care. Through case studies, such as those of Aunt Joan and Nassi, strategies are developed to overcome biases and improve communication in healthcare settings. Focusing on integrating traditional and modern health practices, emphasizing trust-based relationships to enhance care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Learning outcomes:

1. Identify your unconscious biases and discuss how this may impact care delivered to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients/clients and families.
2. Examine Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives of cardiovascular health and stroke.
3. Apply culturally appropriate communication principles when engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients/clients and families.

Module 3: How to Support Self-Care. Estimated time 80-120 min

Exploring the recovery journey from heart illness and stroke, highlighting the importance of family support and self-care strategies. By examining the experiences of Aunty Joan and Uncle Bill, it navigates the balance between cultural obligations and recovery challenges. Examining access to support services and overcoming barriers, providing a holistic approach to culturally informed care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on their healing journey.

Learning outcomes:

1. Describe the recovery and healing processes for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples with heart and stroke issues.
2. Analyse the critical role of families in supporting recovery and self-care strategies.
3. Plan self-care strategies tailored to the cultural contexts of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.
4. Assess and use self-care tools and support services to enhance recovery and healing.

Module 4: Culturally Responsive Care in My Organisation. Estimated time 80-120 min

Focusing on fostering strong relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and community members, while integrating 'Closing the Gap' priorities. Exploring culturally safe care practices for heart and stroke patients through readings, activities, and case studies. The goal is to develop skills in building respectful relationships, understanding service delivery standards, and collaborating effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Practitioners. By the end of the module, there is a reinforced understanding of the importance of cultural responsiveness in cardiovascular care for these communities.

Learning outcomes:

1. Integrate local cultural knowledge into practice to enhance culturally safe patient care.
2. Build and maintain respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients and communities.
3. Apply standards and Close the Gap priorities to provide culturally sensitive heart and stroke care.
4. Implement collaboration with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers to co-design care models, improve service delivery, influence office environments, track patient pathways, and train staff in cultural competence.

Module 5: Care Coordination. Estimated time 80-120 min

Reviewing key concepts from the previous modules, focusing on strong relationships, understanding the healthcare system, and delivering person-centred care aligned with 'Closing the Gap' priorities. Addressing the challenges of care coordination, particularly in rural and remote settings, through readings, activities, and case studies. The goal is to provide a cumulative understanding of how to deliver culturally safe cardiovascular care and the impact of this holistic approach on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Learning outcomes:

1. Facilitate effective communication between health providers, staff, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to deliver culturally responsive care.
2. Develop and reinforce relationships between frontline staff and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by contextualising care.
3. Increase health literacy and self-care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples managing heart disease or stroke.

Last updated August, 2024