A Comparative Analysis of Health Impact Assessment Implementation Models in the Regions of Montérégie (Québec, Canada) and Nouvelle-Aquitaine (France).

Françoise Jabot,Emile Tremblay,Geneviève Lapointe,Ana Rivadeneyra,Thierno Amadou Diallo

doi:10.3390/ijerph17186558

Abstract

Many countries have introduced health impact assessment (HIA) at the national, regional, or local levels. In France and in Québec, there is increasing interest in using HIA to inform decision-makers and influence policies, programs, and projects. This paper aims to compare HIA implementation models in two regions: Nouvelle-Aquitaine (France) and Montérégie (Québec, Canada) using a case study methodology. The objective is to gain a better understanding of the similarities and differences in the approaches used to achieve the operationalization of HIA. The methodological approach involves four steps: (1) design of an analytical framework based on the literature; (2) exchanges within the research team and review of documents concerning the two implementation strategies under study; (3) development of the case studies based on the proposed framework; and (4) cross-comparison analysis of the case studies. The findings show that the two regions share certain similarities, including the strong commitment and political will of the public health organizations involved and a well-established culture of engaging in intersectoral action with municipal partners. Differences mainly concern their different approaches to implementing HIAs in accordance with the regional policies and the organizational and administrative contexts in place. This study identifies potential avenues for supporting the practice of HIA at the municipal level.

Highlights

Health impact assessment (HIA) aims to identify the potential health impacts of proposed policies, programs, and projects before they are implemented and to suggest evidence-based recommendations to mitigate anticipated negative impacts and to maximize positive impacts [1]
The conclusion drawn from this experience led the Public health department (PHD) to include HIA in its 2009–2012 regional public health action plan (RPHAP), and to conduct its first complete HIA in 2010–2011
To manage the recurrent implementation of HIA, the PHD established in 2011 an approach adapted to the Québec context aimed at satisfying the requirements of HIA practice, meeting the needs of municipalities and ensuring coordination of stakeholders

Summary

Introduction

Health impact assessment (HIA) aims to identify the potential health impacts of proposed policies, programs, and projects before they are implemented and to suggest evidence-based recommendations to mitigate anticipated negative impacts and to maximize positive impacts [1]. HIA belongs to the family of impact assessments including, among others, environmental impact assessment, social impact assessment, and equity impact assessment [3], but its practice is characterized by a set of distinctive principles and values [4]. It conceives health as a complex and dynamic process resulting from the interaction of environmental, social, and economic determinants shaping population health. HIA places particular emphasis on the unequal distribution of impacts within the population It is conducted prospectively and involves several stages in accordance with internationally adopted

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Conclusion