Table 2.

Characterization of the functional units belonging to the Portuguese primary healthcare groups.

Functional Unit	Characteristics
Family health unit (USF, standing for the Portuguese words Unidade de Saúde Familiar)	Healthcare unit devoted to both individual and family care and based on multidisciplinary teams of physicians, nurses, and administrative staff. There are three USF models, differentiating themselves in terms of organizational autonomy degree, remuneration model, incentives to the staff, financing model, and legal status.
Custom healthcare center (UCSP, standing for the Portuguese words Unidade de cuidados de saúde personalizados)	The structures of UCSP and USF are similar. UCSPs provide personalized care, ensuring full access to all citizens as well as the continuity and comprehensiveness of healthcare services. The UCSP team is composed of non-USF physicians, nurses, and administrators.
Community care unit (UCC, standing for the Portuguese words Unidade de cuidados na comunidade)	Healthcare unit providing healthcare and psychological/social support, at home and in the community, especially to the most vulnerable people, at higher risk, either dependent or with a disease requiring close monitoring. The UCC team consists of nurses, social workers, doctors, psychologists, nutritionists, physiotherapists, speech therapists, and other professionals. Through the UCC, the ACES participates in the National Network of Integrated Continuing Care, integrating the local coordinating team.
Public health unit (USP, standing for the Portuguese words Unidade de saúde pública)	The USP is a unit working as a health observatory for the ACES of which it is part. In particular, it is responsible for preparing public health information and plans, conducting epidemiological surveillance, and managing prevention, as well as promotion and protection intervention programs. The USP team is composed of public health doctors, public health/community health nurses, and environmental health technicians, as well as other professionals deemed necessary in the public health area.
Shared resources unit (URAP, standing for the Portuguese words Unidade de recursos assistenciais partilhados)	The URAP provides consulting and assistance services to the previous functional units, and organizes functional links to hospital services. The URAP team is composed of doctors from various specialties other than general/family medicine and public health, as well as other staff, including social workers, psychologists, nutritionists, physiotherapists, and oral-health technicians.