Launch of the Yana platform: Culturally responsive healthcare

We are excited to announce the launch of the Yana platform, a dedicated resource hub designed to support heart disease and stroke recovery in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Yana, a collaborative project led by AGPAL in partnership with the Stroke Foundation and funded by the Australian Government Department of Health, is now live and accessible to healthcare professionals and community members across Australia.

The Yana platform, named after the Kala Lagaw Ya word for “basket,” symbolises the essential tools needed for the journey of care. It offers a comprehensive suite of culturally appropriate educational resources, including eLearning modules, guidebooks, and toolkits. These resources are specifically developed to enhance the skills of frontline health professionals, enabling them to deliver culturally sensitive and effective care tailored to the unique needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The platform’s user-friendly design allows easy access to micro-learning resources that focus on improving communication and engagement between healthcare providers and communities. The goal is to empower health professionals with the knowledge and tools necessary to improve health literacy and support self-care among patients, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes.

As part of our commitment to cultural respect and relevance, the Yana platform includes consumer education materials such as brief videos, animations, and information sheets, all designed to enhance understanding and management of heart disease and stroke in a culturally appropriate manner. Additionally, the Yana modules are CPD-accredited, members can claim 10 CPD hours under the RACGP CPD Program. This accreditation highlights the project’s commitment to professional development and excellence in delivering culturally responsive care.

The Yana project is guided by an Advisory Committee composed of subject matter experts in their respective fields, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, and academic and clinical expertise in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. We would like to acknowledge and thank the Advisory Committee members for their invaluable contributions:

• Tope Adepoyibi, Stroke Foundation (Committee Chair)
• Dr Anna Balabanski, Australian Stroke Alliance and Alfred Hospital
• Karl Briscoe – Kuku Yalanji – National Association of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Practitioners (NAATSIHWP)
• Wayne Christian – Bamaga, Erubian Baugerr, Saibai Samu – Stratford Medical Centre
• Elizabeth Hitchcock – Waanyi and Pitta Pitta – Royal Darwin Hospital
• Barry Hankinson, Australian General Practitioner Accreditation Limited (AGPAL)
• Charlotte Porter – Wiradjuri – Stroke Foundation
• Dr Ross Roberts-Thomson – Royal Adelaide Hospital
• Dr Rosemary Wyber – The Australian National University, National Centre for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Wellbeing Research
• Cindy Paardekooper – Kokatha – Palliative Care Education

The Yana project is fortunate to be supported by several key stakeholders. The AGPAL Yana project team extends their heartfelt thanks for their invaluable support.

We invite healthcare professionals, community leaders, and all those interested in culturally responsive healthcare to explore the Yana platform. Together, we can work towards a future where healthcare is not only effective but also respectful and inclusive.

Visit Yana today to learn more and start your journey towards culturally responsive care.