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.
Examining the impact of decriminalizing or legalizing cannabis for recreational use
The McMaster Health Forum recently released a rapid synthesis examining the impact of decriminalizing or legalizing cannabis for recreational use. With the potential for large policy changes in Canada regarding the use of cannabis, it is timely to take stock of what is known about this issue.
In 2013, despite having been prohibited since the 1920s, Canada had the highest rate of marijuana use among youth for all developed nations. In efforts to better control who has access, who is distributing and who is benefiting from the sale of cannabis, the approach in some jurisdictions to regulating its use is to shift away from a prohibitive approach towards decriminalization or legalization.
There have been numerous systematic reviews and studies on both the positive and negative health effects of cannabis use, which we summarized in a previous rapid synthesis. In this rapid response requested by, and conducted in collaboration with the Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Medicinal Cannabis Research/Michael G. DeGroote Initiative for Innovation in Healthcare, we sought to identify research evidence on the epidemiological and societal consequences as a result of decriminalization or legalization of cannabis.
Read the full rapid synthesis.
- McMaster Forum
- Rapid Response
