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.
Aging, disability and technology: Understanding and advancing Canadian policies for technology access
The McMaster Health Forum is pleased to announce that Michael Wilson (Assistant Director, McMaster Health Forum) and Rosalie Wang (Assistant Professor, University of Toronto) are one of 25 teams of researchers from across Canada that have been awarded funding by AGE-WELL NCE Inc. to conduct cutting-edge research that will directly benefit older adults and caregivers.
Over the next three years, Wilson and Wang will study how assistive technologies are accessed by Canadians and explore the ethical, social, and policy issues (including data privacy and confidentiality) around assistive technology access. This will include convening three citizen panels, as well as a stakeholder dialogue at the McMaster Health Forum.
Even though technology can increase independence, well-being and community participation with older Canadians, many experience unmet technology needs. The current policies for technology funding and services are not coordinated and vary across Canada. These issues can result in the inability to provide for people who need assistance, to meet our society’s responsibilities to ensure services and opportunities are available in a fair way, and to address the high cost of providing health care.
The research team will work with policymakers, citizens, researchers, and others involved in or affected by the issue to support the development of policies that can be directly put into place to improve access to technology in a fair way.
This project will be conducted in partnership with the March of Dimes Canada, who will facilitate research and knowledge transfer related to service and equipment provision across Canada and help provide access to numerous technology users and other stakeholders in the non-profit sector.
Co-investigators Jerome Bickenbach, University of Lucerne; John Lavis, McMaster University; and Michelle Putnam, Simmons College, will further support the research.
Read the press release from AGE-WELL NCE Inc.
- McMaster Forum
