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.
Workshop for students interested in the study of aging
McMaster University students with an interest in the study of aging are invited to attend a lunch-and-learn workshop on Wednesday, November 26 that will provide hands-on training in using the newly launched McMaster Optimal Aging Portal.
The workshop will run from 11:30 to 1 p.m. in the DialogueSpace at the McMaster Health Forum, on the fourth floor of Mills Memorial Library, and is open to students from any faculty in undergraduate, graduate or doctoral programs.
The Portal is a public website that provides the best available evidence to citizens, healthcare providers and policymakers who have questions about how people can stay healthy, active and engaged as they grow older. The workshop will be led by Kaelan Moat, who is the lead of Health Systems Evidence and Learning at the Forum, one of the contributors for content and tools on the Portal, and also a part-time faculty member in McMaster’s Department of Clinical Epidemiology & Biostatistics.
He will give a brief demonstration of the Portal, which will be followed by hands-on activities to give participants the opportunity to learn to use the different types of tools and resources contained in the Portal. The workshop will be particularly useful for those with research interests in the field of aging, those who are involved in programs that support optimal aging in practice or work involving the aging population, and for those who have a personal interest in the topic.
A complimentary lunch will be served, and pre-registration is required as space is limited to 30 students.
The workshop has been organized by the Forum’s student committee and supported by the Labarge Optimal Aging Initiative. To reserve a spot, RSVP to mhf@mcmaster.ca with “MOAP Workshop” in the subject line. Students will receive a confirmation of their registration, and a waiting list will be created once capacity is reached.
- McMaster Forum
