Health in all policies
The term 'Health in All Policies' (HiAP) describes a collaborative approach which emphasises the connections and interactions which work in both directions between health and policies from other sectors. Central to HiAP is the concept of addressing the social determinants of health which are key drivers of health and health inequalities.
Health impact assessment (HIA)
HIA is a practical tool used to support HiAP by judging the potential health effects of a policy, programme or project on a population, particularly on vulnerable or disadvantaged groups. HIA can inform the decision making process with the aim of maximising the proposal's positive health effects and minimising its negative health effects. HIA has been promoted to policy makers across government departments in Northern Ireland with some evidence of use. There have also been examples of HIA at local level, for example, in relation to housing programmes.
DoH
DoH will continue to work with departments and with the Institute of Public Health in Ireland (IPH), who provide support for HIA, to review and strengthen processes in support of an HiAP approach, and with other sectors such as local government to support wider implementation.