Differences in patients' health indicator measurements between traditional care and team-based care in primary healthcare: a quantitative retrospective longitudinal cohort study

Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine changes in patient health indicator measurements in Finnish primary healthcare by comparing traditional care in 2017 with team-based care in 2022. Design/methodology/approach The study was a quantitative retrospective longitudinal cohort study using register data from patients' electronic health records, including low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels, and blood pressure measurements. In this study, we compared patients in two groups: the traditional care group and the team-based care group. These groups were compared at measurement periods: first period of 2–6 months, second period of >6–10 months, and third period of >10–14 months. Findings Statistically significant differences were noted between the team-based care and traditional care groups over time in LDL (p = 0.005) and HbA1c (p < 0.0001). Although team-based care showed a significant change from baseline in systolic blood pressure during the second period, no between-group differences were observed over time. Originality/value Limited studies have been published to comparing traditional care with team-based care, both internationally and in Finland. Our study showed that team-based care may support the management of patients whose clinical monitoring includes LDL and HbA1c values and therefore have positive impacts on treatment outcomes.