Dannenberg AL, Bhatia R, Cole BL, Heaton SK, Feldman JD, Rutt CD. Use of health impact assessment in the U.S.: 27 case studies, 1999-2007. Am J Prev Med 2008; 34: 241-256.
Summary: This article is a review of 27 Health Impact Assessments (HIAs) ranging from development projects to assessments of public policies.
General Concensus: Many students appreciated how this article showcased the diverse range of HIAs and that it attempted to follow up on their impacts. Others noted that the right political environment is necessary to implement an HIA. One student wondered how public health advocates could develop incentives to increase the demand for HIAs.
Additional Comments:
"Whether through more use of HIA or further development of the underlying theory & evidence, it seems that many still question the value of these assessments. However, traffic impact studies became a standard part of the development process even though they are based on pretty faulty science and modeling techniques, so I suppose there is still hope." (UDPL))