Basia Belza PhD, RN, FAAN, FGSA

Professor and Director, de Tornyay Center for Healthy Aging

Adjunct Professor, UW School of Public Health

Investigator, UW Health Promotion Research Center

My scholarship is focused on the dissemination and implementation of evidence- and community-based health promotion programs for older adults. In my doctoral program I developed and tested the Multidimensional Assessment of Fatigue scale that is now available in 40 languages and has been used in 102+ published studies by other investigators. Realizing the value of but lack of physical activity programs for older adults I contributed to the science for a community-based exercise program called EnhanceFitness through authoring 15+ data-based publications. Our research was instrumental in helping EnhanceFitness be approved for use by people with arthritis and adopted by the arthritis program at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). With funding from the CDC, I served as PI on three Special Interest Projects (SIP). First, as lead of the Coordinating Center for the Healthy Aging Research Network (HAN) (2009-2014) and in partnership with the CDC Healthy Aging Program, I oversaw the development and implementation of a national research and dissemination agenda related to the public health aspects of healthy aging. Under my leadership, HAN contributed to the improved understanding of the science of dissemination and implementation and provided technical assistance and support for the evidence-based health promotion movement. Second, as lead of the Coordinating Center for the Healthy Brain Research Network (HBRN) (2014-2019) we established and advanced a public health research, translation, and dissemination agenda that promoted cognitive health, addressed cognitive impairment, and helped meet the needs of care partners. And third, as lead of a SIP on Mall Walking (2015-2017), we evaluated the evidence on mall walking and conducted environmental assessments of malls and interviews with mall walkers and managers in which we identified strengths and opportunities with mall walking programs and developed the first ever Mall Walking: A Program Resource Guide. Building on the success of the HBRN, I am currently involved in several cognitive health projects including improved assessment of cognition in primary care, evaluation of the Dementia Care Practice Recommendations in long-term care, and implementation of the SHARP program in Seattle. Through our teams collaborative efforts, we have collectively built partnerships, expanded the public health understanding of healthy aging, disseminated findings to our stakeholders, and impacted policy.

Awards and accolades

Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN)
Fellow, Western Academy of Nurses, Western Institute of Nursing
Fellow, Gerontological Society of America
Member, Western Academy of Nurses

What classes do you teach?

I teach in the undergraduate and graduate programs

What do you love about the UW School of Nursing?

The UW School of Nursing is a vibrant community in which to professionally grow, be intellectually challenged and supported, and work with dynamic faculty and highly energized students, many who you will continue to stay connected with throughout your career.

Multidimensional Assessment of Fatigue (MAF)

Access the Multidimensional Assessment of Fatigue (MAF)

Department

Biobehavioral Nursing and Health Informatics

Research Areas

Lifespan Health