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 sends Queen Elizabeth Scholars to Australia and Malaysia
The McMaster Health Forum is pleased to announce the latest recipients of the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship in Strengthening Health Systems. The scholars travelling to Australia and Malaysia to expand on their knowledge of health systems and policy development are Alex Dragoman, Bolade Shipeolu, Tereza Zetko, Chloe Gao, and Fanny Cheng.
Outgoing Interns: Alex Dragoman, Bolade Shipeolu and Tereza Zetko
Alex Dragoman, Bolade Shipeolu, and Tereza Zetko will be travelling to Malaysia to work with the Institute for Health Systems Research which is part of Malaysia’s Ministry of Health.
During his time in Malaysia, Alex hopes to learn how countries can develop the infrastructure to support evidence-informed decision making. Bolade is interested in how politics and political actors can shape policy. Tereza looks forward to learning how health systems are shaped by cultural context. The three of them will all gain a deeper understanding of how knowledge translation and health evidence can be used to strengthen health systems.
Outgoing intern: Chloe Gao
Chloe Gao will be interning at the Sax Institute in Sydney, Australia. At the Sax Institute, Chloe will use her experience in health systems research to support the work of the Knowledge Exchange team, establishing tools and resources necessary for evidence-informed policymaking, and the effects it has on population health outcomes.
Outgoing intern: Fanny Cheng
Fanny Cheng will be working with the New South Wales Ministry of Health in Sydney, Australia. Her internship with the Population Health Training unit will provide her a unique perspective on how Ontario and New South Wales differ in policy development. She will also gain experience establishing the resources for scale-up implementation and assessment tools.
Through the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship program, McMaster University will participate in activating a dynamic community of young global leaders across the Commonwealth to create lasting impacts on health systems both at home and abroad through cross-cultural exchanges encompassing international education, discovery and inquiry, and professional experiences.
The Canadian Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarships (QES) is managed through a unique partnership of Universities Canada, the Rideau Hall Foundation (RHF), Community Foundations of Canada (CFC), and Canadian universities. This program is made possible with financial support from the Government of Canada, provincial governments, and the private sector.
To stay connected with our QEScholars, follow @McMasterForum on Twitter and visit the #QEScholars tagboard page.
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