Introduction to Community Integration and Public Welfare

Allan Collautt’s treatise is a frank assessment of United States (U.S.) public systems of care. His review of policies, procedures, and practices is comprehensive and hard-hitting. He states, “Our nation’s fiscal policy is on an unsustainable course.” According to Collautt, Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security entitlement programs alone now amount to over 40% of federal outlays and are escalating.

The text is much more than a national policy analysis. It is an exceptional reference document, including detailed definitions of terms and organizational charts. Furthermore, Collautt presents a valuable “tool box” of specific approaches, strategies, and tactics for addressing the complex challenges facing care systems.

His six-priorities framework is rooted in common sense, practical approaches, and time-tested best practices. His paradigm starts with “Serving People Better” followed by better planning/managing, accountability, balance, improved decision-making, and protection from indifference and corruption.

The model he champions is based on (1) integrating the complex maze of functions and bureaucratic entities in care systems and (2) empowering the stakeholders closest to the issues to arrive at workable solutions.

Skyrocketing healthcare and entitlement program costs are a major burden to employers across the country and a mounting threat to economic stability. We should look forward to further works from Collautt. He offers new ideas and approaches for a sector which touches almost every citizen.

Collautt offers refreshing and poignant commentary regarding the highly political nature of care systems. As the U.S. presidential election season gets into full swing, officials would be wise to consider Collautt’s views. Governmental missteps, especially in healthcare, have been well-chronicled in the last several years. Leaders from nations around the globe would benefit from Collautt’s work.