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.
Defining the publicly funded basket of core services for mental health and addictions
In October, the McMaster Health Forum hosted a webinar on "Balancing research evidence, stakeholder input and citizen insights in defining the publicly funded basket of core services for mental health and addictions." This webinar featured a discussion with Heather Bullock (Co-Lead, Evidence Synthesis, McMaster Health Forum), Gail Czukar (Chief Executive Officer, Addictions and Mental Health Ontario) and Camille Quenneville (Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario Division) on their experiences in the mental health field and in working to help define the publicly funded basket of core services for mental health and addictions.
>> Watch the recording from the webinar.
This was the first webinar in a series, which will feature top ten insights into health systems, evidence-informed policymaking and a range of key health issues, from McMaster Health Forum experts and influential policymakers, stakeholders and researchers from around the world. For more information, visit www.mcmasterhealthforum.org/policymakers/top-ten-webinar-series or follow #MHFtop10 on Twitter to engage in the discussions.
- McMaster Forum
