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.
PHC Evidence -- powered by Health Systems Evidence -- supports evidence-informed primary health care in low- and middle-income countries
The McMaster Health Forum is proud to support the launch of the Primary Health Care Performance Initiative (PHCPI). As part of this initiative, PHC Evidence provides access to the best available research evidence for strengthening primary health care (PHC) systems. PHC Evidence draws all of its evidence from Health Systems Evidence, an initiative of the McMaster Health Forum. Health Systems Evidence contains syntheses of research evidence about governance, financial and delivery arrangements within health systems, and about implementation strategies that can support change in health systems.
PHCPI is a new partnership that brings together country policymakers, health system managers, practitioners, advocates and other development partners to catalyze improvements in PHC in low- and middle-income countries through better measurement and knowledge-sharing. PHCPI will help countries track key performance indicators for their PHC systems, identifying which parts of the system are working well and which ones aren’t. This will enhance accountability and provide decision-makers with essential information to drive improvements. To make data actionable, this partnership will also provide a platform for countries to share lessons and best practices.
PHCPI was funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the World Bank Group and the World Health Organization, in partnership with Ariadne Labs and Results for Development. It was officially launched on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in September 2015.
- McMaster Forum
