Figure 2.

The phases in the process of IEHIA (based on [1]). The figure shows the 4 main stages of IEHIA: 1) Issue-framing, in which the assessment boundaries and objectives are specified, 2) Design of the assessment, in which a formal assessment protocol is constructed and the data, models and tools necessary for assessment are specified; 3) Execution, in which the actual (technical) assessment is carried out; and 4) Appraisal, which involves evaluation of the results and their translation into relevant recommendations for action. The activities specified under 'ongoing' take place throughout the assessment, and are of specific importance for the quality of the IEHIA.