Economic valuation of the societal cost of non-communicable disease related to urban housing developments in the UK

Abstract

Urban planning and design can have a significant impact on health. This study addresses a gap in existing provision to create a detailed tool for economic analysis to inform decision making towards healthier urban environments.
The aim of this study is to create a tool which combines epidemiological and economic valuation evidence and techniques to forecast, quantify and monetise the impact on health by characteristic of the urban environment.
A systematic review of economic evaluation literature informs the creation of a database of economic valuations of costs related to non-communicable disease. Reference unit values are estimated for many individual health outcomes, including physical and mental illness, mortality, and multi-factor outcomes, such as activity.
Gaps in the evidence of the disutility of mental and physical health are addressed through primary research in the form of a stated preference survey. Values are identified from a societal perspective, incorporating direct and indirect costs and valuations of disutility associated with ill health.
The final output is a new economic valuation model for quantifying and monetising health impacts. Known as HAUS (Health Appraisal of Urban Systems), the valuation model uses the impact pathway approach to quantify the potential impact of changes to the environment on the health of a hypothetical population. The model is tested in a real world case study exploring the implications of a strategic framework approach to planning a regeneration site in South West England.
This study advances existing health impact appraisal methods and comprises an important resource for policy makers, providing valuable information for early stage (upstream) decision making.

Date of Award	4 Dec 2023
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Bath
Supervisor	Alistair Hunt (Supervisor) & Eleonora Fichera (Supervisor)