HIA can support people from different backgrounds to work together to ensure that decision-making for health is fairer and more inclusive.
HIA involves seven stages, beginning with a screening phase to determine if a full HIA is required or would be beneficial. After initial screening, the process involves scoping, analysis, reporting, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation stages.

HIA can be carried out as a standalone assessment or as part of an environmental assessment, such as a Strategic Environmental Assessment or Environmental Impact Assessment.
HIA can complement or inform other impact assessments such as poverty, human rights, or equality impact assessments.