Yarning is a culturally informed way of communicating that takes time, builds trust and creates a safe space for Aboriginal people to talk about their health and wellbeing.
It involves storytelling, shared conversation and deep listening.
Clinical yarning supports culturally safe communication by moving away from a traditional question-and-answer approach. It prioritises:
- active listening
- shared understanding
- relationship-building.
It also allows conversations to unfold at the pace set by the consumer. This approach helps Aboriginal people to feel safe and supported to share what matters to them.
The ‘Keys to Clinical Yarning’ offers a structure to communicate positively and effectively. For more information on having a ‘clinical yarn’, see the range of tools and resources available through the shared decision-making model, 'Finding your way’.
Keys to clinical yarning long description
The diagram presents three types of clinical yarning arranged in a triangle around the central heading Keys to Clinical Yarning.
In the centre of the diagram, the keys to clinical yarning are listed as:
- Culturally secure
- Patient-centred
- Active listening
- Build a trusting relationship
Social yarn
At the top of the triangle is the social yarn. It includes:
- Show an interest in the patient (holistic)
- Develop relationship
- Find common ground or connection
- Two-way exchange, sharing life experiences
Management yarn
At the bottom left of the triangle is the management yarn. It includes:
- Provide direct, straight-up health information
- Use stories and metaphors to explain the health condition and build motivation
- Co-create the plan for care
Diagnostic yarn
At the bottom right of the triangle is the diagnostic yarn. It includes:
- Hear the patient’s health story
- Use open-ended style
- Allow silences
- Interpret story through biomedical lens