OBJECTIVES: an exploratory evaluative study of the UPAs in a metropolitan region of Brazil in 2011. METHODS: the intervention was described, the logical model outlined, along with the involvement of stakeholders, and evaluation questions drawn up. The three interactive phases approach was carried out using document analysis, interviews and consensus conferencing. The logical model was based on building up a matrix of criteria and indicators that was submitted to a committee of key informants with a view to obtaining consensus. RESULTS: the matrix of criteria and indicators resulting from the consensus comprises three levels of analysis (health care, inter-institutional interaction and management) with 41 criteria and 74 evaluation indicators. Based on the logical model, the consensus conference, the matrix of criteria and indicators and the systematized considerations of interested parties, fourteen evaluation questions were drawn up. CONCLUSIONS: the UPAs are capable of carrying out evaluations, since it was found that the elements identified in the logical model are conducive to the conditions that the intervention requires in order to meet its aims and objectives.
Health evaluation; Health systems; Health management
