Her research is dedicated to improving health and health care particularly for people at risk for functional decline or living with disabilities. With funding from government agencies, industry, and foundations, she leads research teams to compare the effectiveness of different health care service and delivery models, and implement evidence-based approaches to care. Her research in the United States on reducing disability after a stroke is being evaluated in several studies in low- and middle-income countries.
Bettger collaborates with a diverse group of patients, health care providers, government officials, and community leaders to globally address aging and disabilities with meaningful public health and health care innovations.