title: Characteristics of health impact assessments reported in Australia and New Zealand 2005-2009.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe the use and reporting of Health Impact Assessment (HIA) in Australia and New Zealand between 2005 and 2009.
  
  
  METHODS
  We identified 115 HIAs undertaken in Australia and New Zealand between 2005 and 2009. We reviewed 55 HIAs meeting the study's inclusion criteria to identify characteristics and appraise the quality of the reports.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 55 HIAs, 31 were undertaken in Australia and 24 in New Zealand. The HIAs were undertaken on plans (31), projects (12), programs (6) and policies (6). Compared to Australia, a higher proportion of New Zealand HIAs were on policies and plans and were rapid assessments done voluntarily to support decision-making. In both countries, most HIAs were on land use planning proposals. Overall, 65% of HIA reports were judged to be adequate.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study is the first attempt to empirically investigate the nature of the broad range of HIAs done in Australia and New Zealand and has highlighted the emergence of HIA as a growing area of public health practice. It identifies areas where current practice could be improved and provides a baseline against which future HIA developments can be assessed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There is evidence that HIA is becoming a part of public health practice in Australia and New Zealand across a wide range of policies, plans and projects. The assessment of quality of reports allows the development of practical suggestions on ways current practice may be improved. The growth of HIA will depend on ongoing organisation and workforce development in both countries.
authors.forename: Fiona
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Haigh
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Harris
authors.forename: Harrison N G
authors.initials: HN
authors.lastname: Chok
authors.forename: Fran
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Baum
authors.forename: Ben
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Harris-Roxas
authors.forename: Lynn
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Kemp
authors.forename: Jeff
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Spickett
authors.forename: Helen
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Keleher
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Morgan
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Harris
authors.forename: Arthur M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Wendel
authors.forename: Andrew L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Dannenberg
mesh_terms: D001315:Australia; D062489:Health Impact Assessment; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D009520:New Zealand; D011050:Policy Making; D015980:Public Health Practice; D012040:Regional Health Planning