Development of a Health Impact Assessment Implementation Model: Enhancing Intersectoral Approaches in Tackling Health...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Policy
• Implementation Science

Background:

• Health is socially determined, necessitating intersectoral public policies to address inequalities.
• Health Impact Assessment (HIA) is a key approach for evaluating policy impacts on health.
• Ireland's 'Healthy Ireland' policy promotes a whole-of-system approach, endorsing HIA.

Purpose of the Study:

• To co-create a Health Impact Assessment Implementation Model using action research and implementation science.
• To develop a Community Engagement Toolkit to enhance meaningful community involvement in HIA.
• To strengthen capacity for developing and implementing intersectoral, equitable health policies.

Main Methods:

• Conducting two HIAs: one local (Cork City Development Plan) and one national (Irish Climate Action Plan).
• Employing an action research approach integrated with implementation science frameworks.
• Co-creating the HIA Implementation Model and Community Engagement Toolkit through the HIA process.

Main Results:

• The research process itself forms the basis for the study's findings.
• Revised HIA guidance (2021) will be utilized in the HIA conduct.
• The project will yield an HIA Implementation Model and a Community Engagement Toolkit.

Conclusions:

• The developed Model and Toolkit will enhance collaborative capacity among researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and communities.
• This initiative aims to foster equitable policy responses to significant population health challenges.
• Strengthening intersectoral collaboration is crucial for addressing the social determinants of health.