RESUMO
We conduct an outpatient escort program as a part of our early exposure curriculum for first-year medical students. Each student escorts one patient at the University of Tsukuba Hospital throughout his or her first visit. We evaluated this program from the points of view of both students and patients.<BR>1) A questionnaire was distributed to all participating patients and students in 2006.<BR>2) In their questionnaires, many students commented on the long waiting time, the structural problems of the hospital, and the attitudes of physicians.<BR>3) Results of the questionnaire showed that both students and patients rated this program highly.<BR>4) No significant differences were noted between the comments of the students and those of the patients. The patients tended to rate this program more highly than did the students. One patient, however, commented that being constantly accompanied by a stranger was somewhat stressful.<BR>5) We conclude that this program can be efficiently carried out without being too much of a burden to patients and is a valuable part of an early exposure program for first-year medical students.