[Health map: a dynamic vision of health service planning in Catalonia, Spain].

In 2004 a political boost was given to healthcare planning and assessment in Catalonia with the aim of channelling public funds more efficiently towards the health of the citizens and the quality of the system. Health planning is carried out from the central and regional structures of the Department of Health and is implemented by means of planning instruments. The Health, Social Health and Public Healthcare Map is the new service-planning instrument. It draws up strategies and support criteria for making central and territorial decisions. The general characteristics, justification, objectives, methodology of preparation and implementation, as well as the critical factors for its development, are described and analysed. The Map covers the services and activities in public health, healthcare and social healthcare, and rehabilitation. The time horizon is set in 2015. It allows periodic updates with the aim of adapting to new needs, results evaluation, scientific knowledge and priorities.