• Ivan Lin, Peter O'Sullivan, Juli Coffin, Donna B Mak, Sandy Toussaint, and Leon Straker.
• BSc (Physiotherapy), MManip Ther, PhD, Assistant Professor, Western Australia Centre for Rural Health, University of Western Australia; and School of Physiotherapy, Curtin University, Perth, WA.
• Aust Fam Physician. 2014 May 1; 43 (5): 320-4.

BackgroundChronic low back pain (CLBP) is a complex issue to manage in primary care and under-researched in Aboriginal populations. Good communication between practitioners and patients is essential but difficult to achieve. This study examined communication from the perspective of Aboriginal people with CLBP in regional and remote Western Australia.MethodsQualitative, in-depth interviews were conducted with 32 adults with CLBP who identify as Aboriginal. The approach and analysis were informed by clinical ethnography and cultural security.ResultsBarriers to communication related to communication content, information that was not evidence-based, miscommunications, communicative absence and the use of medical jargon. Enablers related to communication style described as 'yarning', a two-way dialogue, and healthcare practitioners with good listening and conversational skills.DiscussionHealth practitioners need to consider communication content and style to improve interactions with Aboriginal people with CLBP. A 'yarning' style may be a useful framework. Findings may be pertinent to other populations.

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