The Internal Medicine group at Bryner Clinic has become the first medical practice in the state to complete "cultural competency" training offered by the U.S. Office of Minority Health.

This week, representatives from HealthInsight, the Medicare Quality Improvement Organization for Utah, presented an award to Dr. Daniel Davis and office manager Laurel Newman commemorating their "first."

The training is designed to narrow the gaps in health care that are created by lack of awareness about how race and ethnic background affect a patient's interactions with those who provide medical services to them.

In some cultures, for instance, people are not forthcoming about information they deem personal, even if it could make the difference between combining two prescriptions that are dangerous when used together.

Cultural competence is recognizing that a Hispanic woman with breast cancer may talk about it differently in front of her husband than would an Asian or black or white woman — who are different from each other, as well.

The training program starts with an assessment of physician and office staff on the Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services standards. After that, they complete an online training course that provides information on how best to care for culturally diverse patients.

The gap in services between those who speak English and those who don't is growing. And the gap in Utah in the quality of care received by patients who are ethnic minorities, compared to those who aren't, is about twice the national average, based on specific tests and procedures, including dilated eye exams and lipid and Hemoglobin A testing rates in Medicare clients who have diabetes, as well as women's rates of mammography.

Officials from both the state health department's Office of Multicultural Health and the State Office of Ethnic Affairs were both on hand Thursday to honor the accomplishment.

Sharon Donnelly of HealthInsight said providing training in cultural competency improves patient satisfaction, reduces health disparities that are race or culture related and improves communication between patient and doctor.

HealthInsight points out that at least 40 different languages are spoken in Utah.

The training is free.

Donnelly said there are several other clinics and practices that are in various stages of the training, but the Bryner group was honored for being first. More information about the program is online at www.healthinsight.org.

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E-mail: lois@desnews.com