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.
Forum now accepting applications for 2015 summer student positions
As part of its commitment to prepare action-oriented leaders in addressing pressing health challenges creatively, the Forum and the Forum’s Impact Lab are offering exciting summer job opportunities for undergraduate students. In addition to the responsibilities outlined in the job descriptions below, summer 2015 research assistants will have an opportunity to support McMaster Health Forum programs such as stakeholder dialogues and citizen panels.
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. There are a limited number of positions available, so candidates are encouraged to apply early.
- 16 March, 12 p.m. (noon) EDT – 1st round of applications to be reviewed
- 23 March, 12 p.m. (noon) EDT – 2nd round of applications to be reviewed
- 3 April, 12 p.m. (noon) EDT – final deadline
2015 summer student/research assistant – McMaster Health Forum
The Research Assistant will work directly with the Forum staff and faculty, will interact with a variety of internal and external stakeholders and will play an important role in several aspects of the McMaster Health Forum’s activities.
2015 summer research assistant – McMaster Health Forum’s Impact Lab
The Research Assistant will work directly with the Forum’s Impact Lab staff and faculty and will play an important role in several aspects of activities associated with the ongoing development and maintenance of Health Systems Evidence.
- McMaster Forum
