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Public health. Rich pickings
1Public Health Resource Unit, Oxford.
The Health Service Journal
|February 24, 2001
Summary
Government policy mandates health impact assessments (HIAs) by authorities. A UK survey shows significant interest and varied HIA practices, suggesting a need for a national network to share experiences and ensure consistency.
Area of Science:
- Public Health Policy
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Government policy mandates health impact assessments (HIAs) for community health.
- A survey was conducted to understand current HIA activities across the UK.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the current landscape of health impact assessment practices in the UK.
- To identify the level of interest and existing activities in HIA.
- To explore the potential for a national network to standardize HIA.
Main Methods:
- Survey of UK health and local authorities regarding their HIA activities.
- Analysis of responses to gauge interest and identify common practices and challenges.
Main Results:
- Considerable interest in HIA was found across the UK.
- A diverse range of HIA activities are already underway.
- Current HIA approaches vary to meet local needs.
Conclusions:
- Health impact assessment is a recognized and developing field in the UK.
- Establishing a national network could foster shared learning and consistency in HIA.
- Further development of HIA practices is recommended to meet policy requirements.