We investigate effects on resource utilization of multiprofessional team-based primary care.

A more proactive approach may lead to increased resource utilization initially.

A more proactive approach may contribute to higher effectiveness in the longer run.

There is a potential conflict between equitable distribution of interventions and person-centeredness.

It is challenging to measure and compare resource utilization across actors.

We investigate differences in resource utilization between a multiprofessional team-based primary care practice and standard care for elderly patients with complex needs, from the perspective of different actors involved in healthcare delivery. The study is based on a mobile care team reform in a Swedish region, that spans across both organisational boundaries and different legislation. Our findings suggest that a shift towards a more proactive approach to outpatient care initially may lead to higher resource utilization and prevent hospital care and contribute to a more effective use of resources in the long run. The pattern observed is consistent the intentions behind the implementation of interventions aimed at shifting care closer to patients. Therefore, when implementing such interventions, it is important for decision-makers to be prepared to accept increased resource use initially in order to potentially benefit in the future. Our study highlights the challenges of measuring and comparing resource utilization across different actors. When implementing healthcare reforms that span across organisational borders, it is crucial to systematically collect and compile comparable data. Reliable information on the costs and patient outcomes associated with new ways of providing care, is important from both a management and a policy perspective.

Primary care

Multiprofessional collaboration

Resource utilization

Elderly patients

Home-based care

© 2025 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.