The HIA Process

HIA consists of 6 steps

• Decide whether a proposal requires assessment by HIA – often called screening.
• Clarify the questions to be answered by the HIA and how the assessment will be carried out – often called scoping
• Decide what the health impacts will be and how big by considering each pathway by which the proposal could impact on health – often called appraisal and assessment.
• For each option make recommendations as to how good health consequences could be enhanced how bad health consequences could be avoided or minimised and how health inequities could be reduced.
• Communicate the findings of the HIA to the decision makers.
• Evaluate the quality of the HIA highlighting lessons for future HIAs. Monitor which proposals and if possible assess whether any predictions made were correct.