CIRCLE
The CIRCLE study is a community‑led research project focused on improving heart care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The project is guided by Aboriginal voices and lived experience, with the aim of making cardiac care safer, more effective, and more responsive to community priorities.
Our research
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have much higher rates of cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke. While risk factors like diabetes and high blood pressure are more common, they don’t fully explain the gap. Barriers such as racism, culturally unsafe care, limited access to services, and poor follow-up, especially in remote areas, also play a major role. Many are less likely to receive cardiac rehabilitation after hospital and often feel unsupported in their care.
They have the right to the same standard of care and outcomes as other Australians. Improving this requires culturally safe, community-led health services that reflect their values and priorities.
The CIRCLE study was developed in response, supporting self-determination and leadership in Aboriginal health.
The project
The CIRCLE project aims to improve heart health outcomes by working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to redesign how cardiac care is delivered.
Our key goals are to:
- Ensure Aboriginal voices are heard, respected, and centred in heart care
- Co‑design a practical, community‑defined model of heart care that can be used across health services
- Improve access to timely and culturally safe cardiac services
- Support better short‑ and long‑term health outcomes after a heart event.
CIRCLE uses community‑led and culturally appropriate research methods. Aboriginal community members, Elders, health workers, clinicians, and researchers work together at every stage of the project.
Our team
The study is led by Yeena Thompson and Elissa Elvidge, together with a diverse research team, most of whom are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander. The team includes researchers, health workers, and community leaders with experience in Indigenous health and hospital care.
The study is overseen by an independent Aboriginal Steering Committee made up of Elders, community members, and clinicians, and works in partnership with the Wukul Yabang (Research Our Way) Aboriginal Health Research Community Panel. These groups provide cultural governance, ethical oversight, and ensure the research remains accountable to community priorities.
Get involved
We invite Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in the Hunter New England Local Health District who have received health care for an acute cardiac event in the last 5 years.
We would also like to hear from Aboriginal clinicians (nurses, health workers and practitioners) and non-Indigenous clinicians working either in AHCCO or HNELHD services.
Participation involves yarning and creative activities led by our research team, providing space to share and discuss experiences of cardiac health care.
Health care workers will be invited to attend an interview or focus group.
If you are interested in participating, or would like more information, please contact us via email at Yeena.Thompson@newcastle.edu.au
Funding
This study is funded by NSW Health Aboriginal Heart Health Grant 2024.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.