Institutionalizing Health Impact Assessment: A consultation with experts on the barriers and facilitators to implementing HIA in Italy. (15th July 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Linzalone, Nunzia; Ballarini, Adele; Piccinelli, Cristiano; Viliani, Francesca; Bianchi, Fabrizio
• Is Part Of: Journal of environmental management. Volume 218(2018)
• Page Start: 95
• Page End: 102
• Publication Date: 2018-07-15
• Subjects: Environmental assessment -- Public health policy -- Implementation plan -- Decision-making -- Mixed methods; Environmental policy -- Periodicals; Environmental management -- Periodicals; Environment -- Periodicals; Ecology -- Periodicals; 363.705
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.04.037
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0301-4797

Abstract

Abstract: A Health Impact Assessment (HIA) is an evidence-based methodology that includes health promotion and protection goals in decision-making. HIA has been introduced and/or institutionalized to various extents in different countries. In order to promote HIA and preventive health assessments in Italy, a research methodology was followed to identify specific obstacles or facilitators. The experiences of various countries reported in the literature were analyzed in terms of facilitating or hindering the introduction and institutionalization of HIA. A consultation with the proponents of projects and plans in Italy was carried out with a multi-approach methodology in order to characterize the national context. A general implementation plan was drawn up from the international experiences. In Italy this is not yet in place. Specific areas of intervention need to be addressed, including: 1) data availability; 2) tools and methods; 3) engagement of stakeholders; 4) capacity building. The research suggests that the institutionalization of HIA in Italy rests on the government's commitment to providing specific legislation regarding HIA so that skills, intersectoral coordination and dedicated budgets can be built and maintained. Highlights: Research on HIA practice is beneficial to environmental health policy decisions. Theoretical insights into how HIA can be enhanced in the EU are provided. A multi-approach methodology was applied to identify factors to promote HIA in Italy. The main obstacles and facilitators lie in the political and legislative frameworks. Making data and tools available is key to promoting HIA.