With the urgent need for treatment for opioid use disorder in our communities, a steering committee comprised of clinical representatives from the MaineHealth network developed an integrated “hub and spoke” model. This treatment model links our specialty behavioral health programs (hubs) with primary care practices (spokes) so that we are able to offer evidence-based substance use disorder treatment options in health care settings that best meet individual needs.
The hub and spoke treatment model supports the treatment of substance use disorder within the chronic disease paradigm. The medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) model is the use of medications, in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, to provide a whole patient approach to the treatment of opioids and other substance use disorders. Patient acuity ranges from mild to severe substance use disorder and level of services and appropriate sites of care vary based upon acuity and circumstances.
The MaineHealth MOUD treatment model includes intensive hubs within specialty behavioral health settings for the highest level of treatment, as well as intermediate and spoke levels of care where treatment is delivered in patient centered medical homes (primary care settings). Through the hub, intermediate and spoke continuum, individuals are able to receive individualized treatment based on their level of need.
Tracking Progress
- About 2,000 patients are served annually through this model
- After 90 days, about 70% of patients are still in treatment
- After 180 days, about 60% of patients are still in treatment