9.-10.10. 2008, (PH) Liverpool, HIA ’08 – An International Conference: Health Impact Assessment and Sustainable Well-being

Organized by IMPACT at the University of Liverpool. Venue: Marriott City Centre Hotel [08-04]

Eigene Beiträge:

• Classen T, Samson R, Mekel OCL, Terschüren C, Fehr R, Hornberg C: Burden of disease due to environmental tobacco smoke in North Rhine-Westphalia: Situation before implementation oft he non-smoker-protection legislation. Oral presentation in Session 1A [08-44]
• Fehr R, Dauben H-P, Mekel O, Terschüren C: Comparing Health Impact Assessment (HIA) and Health Technology Assessment (HTA): Exploratory analysis. Oral presentation in Session 3A [08-16] – Abstract: see below
• Fehr R, Welteke R, Mekel O: Can Liverpool city development provide practice examples of urban planning and health? Oral presentation in Session 4A [08-40] – Abstract: see below.

Fehr F, Dauben H-P, Mekel O, Terschüren C: Comparing Health Impact Assessment (HIA) and Health Technology Assessment (HTA): Exploratory analysis [08-16]

Background and objectives: The basic ideas of HIA and Health Technology Assessment (HTA), although originated from different contexts, are related. Both approaches try to introduce evidence and rationality into health-related decision-making processes. The topic areas differ, with health technologies not being a typical subject of HIAs (yet). Systematic comparisons of both “cultures” promise to provide benefit. This paper focuses on (i) existing literature on this topic, supplemented by (ii) exploratory analysis of key documents, and (iii) a few typical examples of HIA and HTA.

Data and methods: (i) Systematic search of six relevant databases (ME95, EM95, IS95, DAHTA, CDSR93, GA03) as well as Internet with the aim to identify published literature relating HIA with HTA, (ii) structured comparison of publicly accessible guidance literature on HIA with such on HTA, using selected criteria such as target groups, timing, use of evidence, and participation, (iii) illustrating commonalties and differences of HIA and HTA using selected examples.

Results: (i) The literature searches (databases and internet) produced very few hits of comparative HIA/HTA literature. The hits included publications by the Welsh National Health Service 1994 (HTA should contribute to HIA), WHO-European Centre for Health Policy 2003 (HIA could be modelled in analogy to HTA), Quebec’s AETMIS 2004 (HTA and HIA as bridges across the “know-do” gap), and the Australian CHETRE 2005 (comparing HIA and HTA with risk assessment, underlining the role of “other sectors” in such approaches). (ii + iii) Guidelines and handbooks as well as examples of HIA and on HTA illustrate commonalties and differences of these approaches, with HTA being particularly convincing in the systematic review of published evidence, and HIA underlining the role of (stakeholder, public) participation as well as modeling approaches for prediction.

Discussion: For the mutual benefit of HIA and HTA, more comprehensive comparisons should be conducted.

Fehr R, Welteke R, Mekel O: Can Liverpool city development provide practice examples of urban planning and health? [08-40]

Background: Urban development and planning procedures offer multiple opportunities for health protection and promotion. In order to explore the status of “healthy local planning” and to stimulate discussion within Public Health, a series of case studies in several European countries was inititated, using meeting sites of selected professional associations as examples.

Study questions and methods: How is “health” reflected in the debate on Liverpool development? What relevant documents and processes can be identified? Is there a role for “integrated programs”? – This exploratory analysis is based on internet information and follows the format of a series of similar local/regional studies.

Results: The links between local development and health in Liverpool within and beyond the health sector include the following: The City council and Primary care trust work with multiple partners to optimise services, using Joint Commissioning Groups, e.g. for older people. Existing local patient forums are currently being replaced with Local involvement networks (LINKs). Health education and promotion services support “Health improvement initiatives”. – City planning, which aims at making Liverpool a “premier European city”, includes a Unitary development plan, covering topics such as housing, transport and environment protection, with implicit reference to health. The Local development framework also includes health-related topics such as housing capacity and flood risk assessment. – Since 1987, Liverpool participates in WHO’s Healthy Cities network. The Liverpool Sustainable Development plan was reissued in 2006.

Discussion: This exploration provides a number of practice examples, but does not allow assessing the effectiveness of efforts to cross-link regional development and health. There seems to be, however, a potential to intensify existing links, including benchmarking and impact procedures. –These preliminary results should serve as a basis for a more comprehensive dialogue with local government and other actors. The results will be compared to those from the German and Austrian case studies.

1.-4.10.2008, Graz, 2. Jahrestagung der Gesellschaft für Hygiene, Umweltmedizin und Prävention (GHUP)

Egon Marth (Institut für Hygiene, Mikrobiologie und Umweltmedizin, Medizinische Universität Graz), Thomas Eikmann (Präsident, GHUP)

Eigene Beiträge:

• Fehr R, Welteke R: Joint regional land utilization plan (Regionaler Flächennutzungsplan, RFNP) of Ruhr area cities: Rapid Health Impact Assessment. Abstract: Umweltmed Forsch Prax 2008, vol.13, 5, p.274 [08-24]
• Fehr, R., Mekel, O., Terschüren, C. (2008): “Innovation management” and the tradition of (environmental) hygiene. Umweltmed Forsch Prax 2008, vol.13, 5, p.275 [08-47]
• Claßen, T., Samson, R., Mekel, O., Terschüren, C., Fehr, R., Hornberg, C. (2008): Abschätzung der Krankheitslast durch Passivrauchen in Nordrhein-Westfalen – Bedingungen vor der Implementierung des Nichtraucherschutzgesetzes. Umweltmed Forsch Prax 2008, vol.13, 5, pp.277-278 [08-63]
• Fehr, R., Hornberg, C. (2008): Development of the city and region of Graz from a health perspective. Umweltmed Forsch Prax 2008, vol. 13, 5, p.275 [08-41]