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.
Delivering evidence to more than 10,000 health-system leaders
The McMaster Health Forum’s Health Systems Evidence reached a significant milestone this month with more than 10,000 users now registered. Health Systems Evidence is the world's most comprehensive, free access point for evidence on how to strengthen or reform health systems and in how to get cost-effective programs, services and drugs to those who need them.
Health Systems Evidence:
- informs key decision-makers: more than one-third of registered users are health-system policymakers and managers
- is tailored to the needs of users: more than 40% of registered users are signed up to receive a customized evidence service
- offers multilingual access: Spanish, French and Portuguese are the top three languages after English
- is used in developed and developing countries: five low- and middle-income countries (Argentina, Brazil, China, Colombia and India) are in the top 10 countries in terms of registered users
Health Systems Evidence is a Forum initiative, supported by collaborators around the world, designed to help health-system policymakers, stakeholders and researchers rapidly identify research evidence related to their work.
Please spread the word and encourage your colleagues to register (for free) and use it.
- McMaster Forum
