Putting Health Impact Assessment into practice through the lenses of diffusion of innovations theory: a review

Abstract

This paper looks into the applicability of diffusion of innovation (DoI) theory and the implementation of a Health Impact Assessment (HIA) approach, focusing mainly on the resource extraction sector in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The paper begins with a review of DoI theory and discusses how HIA adoption in a LMIC context might be understood from the perspective of DoI theory. It then asks whether knowledge translation theories and approaches might be relevant to DoI, and if so, how. Based on the findings of the literature review and practical applications of DoI theory in HIA implementation, this paper is concluded by arguing that DoI is useful as an overarching theoretical framework to plan and implement adoption strategies and activities, to identify potential challenges.