Common Approach to Impact Measurement

Developed by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, the Health Equity Impact Assessment (HEIA) Tool is a decision support tool to identify how programs, policies, or other initiatives will impact population groups through surfacing potential unintended impacts. The Tool consists of a template and workbook to assist users in promoting more equitable delivery of programs, services, and policies by maximizing positive impacts and reducing potential negative impacts that could widen health disparities between populations.

The Common Approach will cut down on paperwork and data entry. Aligning data opens time and headspace for creating impact.

The Common Approach will never impose indicators or metrics on any organization. It must be flexible enough that each organization can measure impact in a way that makes sense for it. This may sound counter-intuitive, but it is actually best practice. Research that shows uniformity kills standards. Effective standards are bendy, and the common approach will be bendy.

The Common Approach needs you on board. Research shows that successful standards are not documents; they are communities of people that agree to work together – and keep working together – to bring their work into alignment for mutual benefit. More than a way of measuring, the common approach is a community.

Common Approach to Impact Measurement Website