Want to better understand how the health and social systems work and how you can better advocate for changes that would improve these systems for you and your family? Enhance your knowledge with one of our free courses for citizens:
Finding and using research evidence: A guide for citizens
In this free online course, you’ll be provided with solutions to overcome the most commonly cited frustrations people have when trying to access research evidence. Prepared by the McMaster Health Forum with support from the Ontario SPOR SUPPORT Unit, the course is now available online as a set of eight videos:
Here are helpful resources that are drawn on in the course:
- Definitions for word and phrases used in the modules
- How to make sure health information is trustworthy
- Links to online sources mentioned in the modules
Don’t miss the most important resource for citizen-targeted evidence about healthy aging:
Understanding how to navigate the health system
Knowing how your health system works will better you to navigate the system, identify opportunities to make things better, and advocate for changes that you’d like to see. This free online course describes the 'building blocks' of Ontario’s health system as well as how those building blocks are used to provide care in the province in different ways (e.g., by sector, condition, treatment, population). While Ontario is the example, these principles are useful to understanding health systems other jurisdictions in Canada and internationally.
Prepared by the McMaster Health Forum with support from the Ontario SPOR SUPPORT Unit, the course is now available online as a set of six videos:
Here are helpful resources that are drawn on in the course:
- Free download of chapters from Ontario’s Health System: Key Insights for Engaged Citizens, Professional and Policymakers. The Ontario book is also helpful in understanding other health systems
Don’t miss the most important resource for citizen-targeted evidence about healthy aging:
Masterclass on patient-oriented research
The Forum’s masterclass was designed to prepare future champions for the conduct and use of patient-oriented research and future mentors to others becoming involved in the conduct and use of patient-oriented research. While we are not currently planning any sessions for the masterclass on patient-oriented research, you can access all of the course material to learn more about patient-oriented research.
Explore our redesigned website
We’re pleased to announce the launch of our newly redesigned website! The new design includes a responsive layout, integrated sharing options, and changes to the site navigation that allow users to easily access our content. Through our primary gateways, we can help you to:
- learn how to make decisions based on the best available research evidence;
- find evidence through our own products and the best available sources of pre-appraised, synthesized research evidence;
- spark action through stakeholder dialogues, citizen panels and more;
- embed supports for evidence-informed decision-making, by institutionalizing promising and proven approaches; and
- evaluate innovations in supporting evidence-informed decision-making.
We work with a diverse array of individuals and organizations that share our interest in collaboratively addressing the pressing health-system issues of our time. Social-system leaders seeking similar types of support can now access our services through Forum+.
Update your bookmark to our new, shorter URL www.mcmasterforum.org, and explore the site to learn more about our full array of services.
- McMaster Forum
- McMaster Health Forum
