‘Health in all policies”: effect on health outcomes and collaboration among welfare actors

Abstract Background The ‘Health in All Policies’ (HiAP) approach, introduced in 2006, recognises the impact of policy decisions and actions on population health. It prioritises health and well-being as a core objective of all public policymaking, ensuring that policies promote health equity and social justice. Implementing HiAP requires collaboration among diverse welfare actors beyond healthcare. Thus, reviewing evidence of the effects of HiAP on collaboration among welfare actors and health outcomes is crucial for informing policy and practice intersectoral collaboration to improve population health outcomes. This study addresses the question: What is the existing evidence of the effects of HiAP on better collaboration among welfare actors and improved health outcomes from 2006 to 2023? We conduct a scoping review on peer-reviewed articles following the Joanna Briggs Institute reviewer’s manual, the five-stage framework outlined by Arksey and O’Malley, and adhering to the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews for reporting. Preliminary results 472 research articles and 68 other documents published from 2006 to 2023 were identified, mainly from Europe and North America. 90% of the reviewed studies focused on collaboration among welfare actors, while 10% examined the effect of HiAP on improved health outcomes. Themes identified in the studies on collaboration among welfare actors include funding, intersectoral partnerships, shared vision, local and national settings, identity and responsibilities, accountability, dedicated staff, Health Impact Assessment, and indicators. Conclusions Despite being widely referred to as an effective approach in health policy, there is limited evidence of the effects of HiAP on health outcomes. However, some evidence supports that HiAP contributes to enhanced collaboration among welfare actors, potentially leading to better health outcomes. More evidence is needed that specifically investigates the effects of the HiAP approach on health outcomes. Key messages • Most evidence suggests that HiAP has a positive impact on collaboration among welfare actors; however, evidence of its effects on health outcomes is limited. • Further research that specifically explores the effects of the HiAP approach on improved health outcomes is crucial for informing policy and promoting intersectoral collaboration.