Table 1 The 5 types of functional units that compose the ACES

USF

Individual and Family Care Unit. USFs promote the training of multidisciplinary teams, comprised by doctors, nurses and administrative staff. USFs allow a closer relationship with users through constant and personalized contact. In addition, in USFs all the patients have assigned doctors.

Personalized Healthcare Unit(UCSP)

Individual and Family Care Unit. In terms of dimension, it is similar to an USF. However, USFs are regulated by specific legislation, whereas UCSP are bounded to rules approved by the Clinic Council.

Community Care Unit (UCC)

UCCs provide care to groups with special needs and community interventions. UCCs operate in the community and are able of mobilizing skills inherent to other functional units, to provide health care through specific interventions.

Public Health Unit (USP)

USPs are related to population and environmental and public health. USPs are responsible for the planning and divulgation in public health. They are also in charge of epidemiological surveillance and manages population-wide programs in the domains of prevention, health promotion and protection.

Shared Assistential Resources Unit (URAP)

URAPs provide and enhance specific support and advice to the functional units and health projects of each ACES. Their mission is to support the former functional units.