Abstract
Background
Health Impact Assessment (HIA) is a process for systematically assessing the potential health and wellbeing impacts of a policy, plan, or project, including recommendations on how those impacts may be managed.
Increasingly policy is seen as interventions in complex systems. Methodologically guidance for undertaking HIA do not explicitly draw on complex systems approaches. This study explores the potential contribution of systems approaches to HIA, with a view to informing practical guidance on conducting HIA.
The study was registered with Research Registry (reference: researchregistry9504).
Methods
Scoping review, Stakeholder Workshops.
Results
25 eligible sources were identified applying systems approaches in IA, mostly quantitative modelling approaches, such as system dynamics, though several advocated for the application of systems thinking more broadly.
HIA is inherently seen as systems oriented, given the involvement of multiple stakeholders and the focus on the wider determinants of health. Workshop participants showed a range of reactions towards applying the systems tools. Major concerns were HIA already being under resourced and systems methods potentially adding pressure and reducing stakeholder buy-in for HIA.
Whilst broadening perspectives was seen as enriching, the difficulty to apply system tools directly would require adaptation to the HIA process.
Health Impact Assessment (HIA) is a process for systematically assessing the potential health and wellbeing impacts of a policy, plan, or project, including recommendations on how those impacts may be managed.
Increasingly policy is seen as interventions in complex systems. Methodologically guidance for undertaking HIA do not explicitly draw on complex systems approaches. This study explores the potential contribution of systems approaches to HIA, with a view to informing practical guidance on conducting HIA.
The study was registered with Research Registry (reference: researchregistry9504).
Methods
Scoping review, Stakeholder Workshops.
Results
25 eligible sources were identified applying systems approaches in IA, mostly quantitative modelling approaches, such as system dynamics, though several advocated for the application of systems thinking more broadly.
HIA is inherently seen as systems oriented, given the involvement of multiple stakeholders and the focus on the wider determinants of health. Workshop participants showed a range of reactions towards applying the systems tools. Major concerns were HIA already being under resourced and systems methods potentially adding pressure and reducing stakeholder buy-in for HIA.
Whilst broadening perspectives was seen as enriching, the difficulty to apply system tools directly would require adaptation to the HIA process.
| Original language | English (Ireland) |
|---|---|
| Journal | NIHR Open Research |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2025 |