Enhancing benefits in health impact assessment through stakeholder consultation

Abstract

Stakeholder consultation is a key mechanism in impact assessment. It not only helps identify what benefits may occur, but the process of consultation itself may also generate positive outcomes. This paper presents three case studies of stakeholder engagement in health impact assessment (HIA) conducted in Australia and the USA, between 2004 and 2008, that led to the enhancement of positive impacts: improved relations between diverse stakeholders, development of working relationships among unlikely partners, greater acceptance of recommendations by proponents, and empowerment of community residents to become involved in political decisions that impact their lives and livelihoods. Regulatory requirements and improved guidance are suggested to improve stakeholder engagement and enhance positive outcomes in impact assessment.

Keywords:

• health impact assessment (HIA)
• stakeholder engagement
• enhancement
• positive impacts
• public participation
• international case studies