Health Impact Assessment
Health Impact Assessment (HIA) is an approach that ensures decision making at all levels considers the potential impacts of decisions on health and health inequalities. It identifies actions that can enhance positive effects and reduce or eliminate negative effects. HIA is a relatively new tool, and although there is no single agreed national approach or methodology, the value of HIA is increasingly being recognised, both nationally and internationally.
While HIA is a developing approach, there is general consensus on its key elements. A short guide and HIA schematic diagram are available, which provide an overview.
