Which tool is commonly used to prioritize community health needs?

The Health Impact Assessment (HIA) is commonly used to prioritize community health needs because it systematically evaluates the potential health effects of a proposed project or policy. By factoring in the perspectives of stakeholders, it helps to identify the most significant health impacts and suggests ways to enhance positive outcomes while mitigating negative ones. The HIA not only focuses on immediate health needs but also considers broader social, economic, and environmental determinants of health, making it a comprehensive tool for guiding decision-making in public health.

While the Needs Assessment Tool is also useful for gathering information about community needs, it often serves a more general purpose and may not specifically prioritize those needs. The Community Health Assessment (CHA) focuses on collecting data about the health of a community but is typically used as a starting point for further action, rather than directly prioritizing needs. The Resource Allocation Framework is designed to assist in distributing limited resources effectively, but it does not specifically address how to assess or prioritize health needs in a community context.