A Case Analysis of the Equity-Focused Health Impact Assessment on Reducing Health Inequality in Canberra

Abstract

In relation to COVID-19, people in policy settings are exposed to a number of health inequalities that are interconnected with many complex determinants. However, few Equity-Focused Health Impact Assessment (EfHIA) studies have been highlighted as relevant to the ongoing pandemic. The EfHIA is regarded as a mechanism for identifying multidimensional causes of health inequality and presents an opportunity to improve interventions in the development of policies or programmes. This research uses an EfHIA Community Funding Programme (CFP) conducted in Canberra to evaluate the performance of EfHIA, evaluating its process and influences on reducing health inequality, with the main findings being that this assessment performs well in relation to health promotion. This study provides a systematic literature review of the theoretical and practical literature, with the evidence reviewed suggesting that it is essential to adopt effective EfHIA strategies and tools to address root issues of health inequality in relation to policy. In this regard, this research considers the extent to which positive changes can be attributed to strategies of the EfHIA across. Finally, in pursuit of effectiveness and equity, the twin-track approach of health promotion and health equality should be utilised in making decisions, the EfHIA having been implemented over a short period with only few resources in most cases. More theoretical research and empirical studies are therefore required to contribute to the use of EfHIA tools so as to reduce health inequality in the future.