Health Impact Assessment: A practical guide

Abstract

Health Impact Assessment (A) Assesses plans, project, program or policies before they are implemented. (B) Predicts the health impacts of these proposals, including: (i) assessing the severity and likelihood of the identified positive and negative impacts; (ii) determining whether these are direct or indirect impacts, and (iii) assessing the distribution of impacts.

(C) Recommends mitigation measures: (i) to maximise positive health impacts and minimise negative health impacts; and (ii) engage decision makers so that they consider health impacts and the determinants of health in their deliberations.

This guide focuses on established steps or stages of HIA: screening, scoping, identification, assessment, decision-making and recommendations, and evaluation and follow-up.