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's Heather Bullock awarded Trudeau scholarship for research in mental health
Congratulations to Heather Bullock, the McMaster Health Forum's co-lead of evidence-synthesis, who has been awarded the prestigious Fondation Trudeau Foundation doctoral scholarship for her work in identifying the best ways to embed mental health policy into Canada's social system. Bullock is also a PhD student with McMaster Health Forum's Impact Lab under the supervision of Dr. John N. Lavis.
"Mental health presents the greatest disability burden on the planet. People with mental health problems encounter many societal barriers often stemming from stigma and discrimination that can affect their ability to participate as full members of society," said Bullock.
The objective of Heather’s dissertation is to advance the understanding of implementation strategies for addressing complex challenges, such as improving mental health outcomes. She will explore how developed countries structure their implementation efforts as well as the process of policy implementation in Ontario’s mental health and addiction system.
A better understanding of implementation strategies for addressing complex challenges will help policymakers find better ways to implement the strategies and policies they develop. And better implementation means more citizens benefitting from proven programs and services that are needed across populations.
She says this scholarship is a significant gesture towards her research and Canada's mental health strategies.
"This scholarship will enable me to conduct some international field work that would have otherwise been severely reduced, and will allow me to gain a richer understanding of mental health policy supports that I'm studying."
The scholarship also allows Bullock mentorship and engagement opportunities within the Trudeau foundation community. The award is worth $60,000 for each of three years.
She is one of 15 Canadian social sciences and humanities students being recognized for their academic excellence, civic engagement and commitment to reaching beyond academic circles. Bullock is McMaster University's third Trudeau scholar since the scholarships were established in 2003.
> Read the announcement from McMaster University's Faculty of Health Sciences
> Read the announcement from the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation
- McMaster Forum
