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.
Developing skilled future leaders in strengthening health and social systems
The McMaster Health Forum is pleased to announce the first three awardees of our Developing Skilled Future Leaders in Strengthening Health and Social Systems project: Mahnoor Malik, Jaclyn Holdsworth and Miray Maher.
Mahnoor travelled to South Africa in early June to work at the Africa Centre for Evidence (ACE) at the University of Johannesburg. She is currently working on a project that aims to compile the different methodologies that can be used for evidence synthesis, and how to apply these methods. Through this experience, Mahnoor hopes to understand the importance of evidence synthesis in informing system level policy changes.
Jaclyn and Miray have recently travelled to work with the Caribbean Centre for Health Systems Research and Development (CCHSRD) in Trinidad and Tobago. Through this experience, Jaclyn hopes to build new skills and connection while Miray hopes to nurture her cultural competency, develop a global skillset, and learn about the healthcare systems within the Caribbean.
Funded by Global Skills Opportunity, part of Canada’s International Education Strategy, this multi-year project aims to diversify the destination countries typically made available to students and are geared towards students who have been typically under-represented in international study/work programs. Over the next four years, the Forum will facilitate meaningful international experiences through this opportunity for 40 undergraduate students by integrating them into projects focused on real-world initiatives.
Students will gain a foundation of knowledge by working alongside senior scientific staff to support the Forum’s programs, which use the best-available research evidence to generate action on the pressing health- and social- system issues of our time. Participants will then apply this foundational knowledge by working with one of McMaster’s international research partners through an internship or applied research position in a health and medical research institute, government ministry or research organization setting.
To stay connected with our Global Skills Opportunity awardees, follow @McMasterForum on Twitter.
Read more about the Global Skills Opportunity program offered by the Forum.
- McMaster Forum
