[Outpatient Care of Tuberculosis].

The outpatient care is important still more in the treatment of tuberculosis (TB). The community DOTS is required, to accomplish the treatment of the TB patients those have various risks of treatment discontinuation. In this symposium, the several points are reported. The number of TB hospitals are decreasing and are maldistributed. And even in TB hospitals, the person/time for the education of patient and the risk assessment of drug compliance, are not sufficient. In general hospitals, the knowledge/experiences of TB treatment are not sufficient. It is important to share the information of the TB patient, between the persons concerned. It is also important to notify and succeed the knowledge/experience regarding TB treatment. For outpatient care of TB, collaborating work in the area is necessary. As practical means, it is important to promote the liaison critical path in the area. The TB hospital and the health center should play a big role.