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.
Health events and resources - March
March is Pharmacist Awareness Month. Many provinces in Canada and many other countries have made significant changes to what pharmacists can do (i.e., their scope of practice), including allowing them to prescribe drugs for certain conditions. But did you know that there are a lot of differences in what pharmacists are allowed to do across Canada and abroad? Learn more:
- Read the briefs and summaries from our citizen panel and stakeholder dialogue on Exploring Models for Pharmacist Prescribing in Ontario
- Read our new book Ontario’s Health System: Key Insights for Engaged Citizens, Professionals and Policymakers. The chapters on 'Care using select treatments' (chapter 8) and 'Delivery arrangements 2: Workforce' (chapter 5) may be of particular interest
- Search Health Systems Evidence for the full range of documents related to pharmacist scope of practice
March is also National Kidney Month. Browse the latest evidence related to kidney disease at the McMaster Optimal Aging Portal.
- McMaster Forum
