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.
Invitation to take part in a citizen panel on accessing precision therapies for children and youth in Canada
Do you have experience caring for a child who has a chronic or complex illness? Are you interested in participating in an exciting online virtual event on Friday 25 June 2021 hosted by the McMaster Health Forum and SickKids on the topic of accessing precision therapies for children and youth in Canada?
What is a citizen panel?
An opportunity for people just like you to meet and discuss important issues so that those who are in a position to make changes are better informed to do so. Each panel is composed of 10-16 citizens affected by pressing health issues or by future decisions regarding these issues. The deliberations of each citizen panel will be informed by a plain-language brief that provides information about an issue, options for addressing it, and/or relevant implementation considerations.
What is the topic of this citizen panel?
Accessing precision therapies for children and youth in Canada.
- precision therapies may be the best option for some hard-to-treat or rare diseases especially in children;
- such therapies are expensive and may not be publicly funded or not be available to all Canadians;
- Canadians may have differing opinions on the values or principles that should be considered when deciding what therapies should be publicly funded; and
Canadians may have differing opinions on the values or principles when deciding between therapies for children and adults.
There is a need for a public conversation about accessing precision child therapies in Canada. This citizen panel is a unique opportunity to have your voice as a caregiver heard on this pressing issue.
When and where will this take place?
Where: the panel will be held virtually through an online platform
When: Friday June 25th, 2021, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (Pacific)/12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Eastern)/1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Atlantic)
What will you be asked of you if chosen for the panel?
If you are chosen for the citizen panel, we ask you to do three things:
- Review a package of information sent to you prior to the panel which will include watching a few videos online;
- Attend the panel virtually through an online platform; and
- Complete three questionnaires: one prior to the panel, one immediately following panel, and one 6-months after the panel
How will you benefit if chosen for the panel?
You will be offered a $100 virtual gift card as a token of appreciation for taking part in the citizen panel and completing the questionnaires. Lastly, you will have the opportunity to inform researchers and decision makers on a pressing health issue.
What to do if you are interested in being considered for the panel?
If you are interested in being considered for this panel, please contact the McMaster Health Forum by June 16th to advise us of your interest and availability at forum@mcmaster.ca. We look forward to working with you on this important issue.
Please note that you are under no obligation to attend the panel, and there is a chance you will not be chosen for the panel. Unfortunately, due to limited spaces available the selection is done on a first come, first serve basis. If you are not contacted by a representative in the next 10 days, we hope to have the opportunity to invite you to participate in a future panel discussion.
- McMaster Forum