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.
2021-2022 Forum Fellows in Strengthening Health and Social Systems
The McMaster Health Forum is pleased to announce that Tushar Sood and Vikita Mehta have been selected as Forum Fellows in Strengthening Health and Social Systems for the 2021-22 academic year. The Forum Fellows Program is part of the Forum’s commitment to prepare action-oriented leaders to creatively address pressing health and social systems challenges. Each fellow will support various Forum initiatives, interact with regional, provincial, and international health and social systems stakeholders, and will end their fellowships with an internship through the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship program.
Tushar is a third-year undergraduate student in the Honours Integrated Science (iSci) program at McMaster University, working towards a Concentration in Biology and an Interdisciplinary Minor in Community Engagement. He has previously worked on several research projects affiliated with McMaster University, conducting work in knowledge translation, public health, and epidemiology. As a Forum Fellow, Tushar strives to use his interests in public health policy, epidemiology, research methodologies, and health systems innovation to inspire positive change in the community.
Vikita is a third-year undergraduate student in the Arts and Science Program at McMaster University. As a Research Lead at Hemoglobal and Outreach Coordinator at Incentives for Global Health, she analyzes the barriers to accessing quality healthcare in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and advocates for equitable solutions. These endeavours have incited Vikita’s strong interest in reducing health disparities through evidence-informed research and policymaking. During her time as a Forum Fellow, Vikita hopes to explore how knowledge translation tools can be used to strengthen health and social systems and improve health outcomes for marginalized populations.
We look forward to having Tushar and Vikita join the Forum team for the year ahead.
- McMaster Forum
