The Future of the Infertility Prevention Project (IPP): Using the Impact Assessment Methodology to Understand Change on a Local Level

Background: Passed in May 2010, health reform will create multiple challenges and opportunities for which STD programs must prepare in advance of implementation and reposition themselves to continue to improve the health of the populations they serve.

Objectives: To describe the unique benefits of the Health Impact Assessment (HIA) methodology; highlight the use of model conducted on the IPP; and summarize what worked about the assessment and lessons learned.

Methods: HIA is a practical approach used to assess the potential effects of a policy on a population, particularly on vulnerable or disadvantaged groups or program. It is a multidisciplinary process combining a range of qualitative and quantitative evidence in a decision making framework. HIA is suitable for use at many different levels. The flexibility of HIA allows projects and policies to be assessed at either a local, regional, or national level. The authors will highlight the use of the HIA methodology used with the Future of IPP assessment to determine the impact of the PPACA on IPP services and partners. 

Results: Recommendations are produced for decision-makers and stakeholders, with the aim of maximizing the policy's positive health effects and minimizing its negative health effects.  The methodology promotes cross-sectoral working, a participatory approach that values the views of the community, reduces inequalities and supports informed decision-making.

Conclusions: Local agencies need to develop strategies for understanding (a) the most pertinent sections of PPACA which will directly affect their agency (b) how, exactly, their agency will be impacted by those sections and (c) how they should adapt in order to mitigate threats to sustainability while capitalizing on new opportunities.

Implications for Programs, Policy, and Research: Building capacity to conduct local level strategic impact assessments is an integral step towards achieving sustainability of the public health service sector in a changing healthcare landscape.