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Professor Tracy Comans
Professor

Tracy Comans

Email: 
Phone: 
+61 7 334 65345

Overview

Background

Professor Tracy Comans, a UQ Amplify Fellow at the Centre for Health Services Research, University of Queensland, and an Adjunct Research Fellow at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, is renowned for her innovative application of economics in multifaceted health services contexts. Her pioneering work involves the creation of comprehensive models that extend beyond traditional economic models, enabling a broader assessment of benefits and costs.

In addition to her model development, Professor Comans applies these economic models to explore the cost-effectiveness of various health care interventions. She spearheads and cultivates health services research with a particular focus on older individuals, allied health, and rehabilitation services.

With a solid academic foundation in both physiotherapy and economics (Hons), Professor Comans brings a unique perspective to her research. Her clinical background as a physiotherapist, specializing in aged care, dementia, and rehabilitation, further enriches her work. Her expertise was recognized with a NHMRC Boosting Dementia Fellowship, which she held from 2017 to 2021.

Currently, Professor Comans is making significant strides in measuring the quality of care for older individuals. This work holds substantial potential for impacting the health and aged care industry. As our population ages, the demand for high-quality health care services tailored to the needs of older individuals is escalating. Despite this, there is a lack of agreement on what constitutes quality care for this demographic, and existing measures may not fully capture the aspects of care most important to them. Professor Comans’ work is instrumental in addressing this critical issue.

Availability

Professor Tracy Comans is:
Not available for supervision

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Physiotherapy, The University of Queensland
  • Bachelor of Economics, The University of Queensland
  • Bachelor (Honours) of Economics, The University of Queensland
  • Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland
  • Postgraduate Diploma of Biostatistics, University of Sydney

Works

Search Professor Tracy Comans’s works on UQ eSpace

204 works between 2008 and 2025

1 - 20 of 204 works

Featured

2020

Journal Article

Valuing the AD-5D dementia utility instrument: an estimation of a general population tariff

Comans, Tracy A., Nguyen, Kim-Huong, Ratcliffe, Julie, Rowen, Donna and Mulhern, Brendan (2020). Valuing the AD-5D dementia utility instrument: an estimation of a general population tariff. PharmacoEconomics, 38 (8), 871-881. doi: 10.1007/s40273-020-00913-7

Valuing the AD-5D dementia utility instrument: an estimation of a general population tariff

2025

Other Outputs

Data : Heuristics and Biases in Home Care Package Resource Allocation

Kenny, Danelle, Comans, Tracy and Breig, Zachary (2025). Data : Heuristics and Biases in Home Care Package Resource Allocation. The University of Queensland. (Dataset) doi: 10.48610/b2b5de7

Data : Heuristics and Biases in Home Care Package Resource Allocation

2025

Journal Article

The estimation of health state utility values for psychological distress in Australia: implications for future economic evaluations

Keramat, Syed Afroz, Comans, Tracy, Basri, Rabeya, Bailey, Daniel, Brooks, Deborah and Dissanayaka, Nadeeka N. (2025). The estimation of health state utility values for psychological distress in Australia: implications for future economic evaluations. Value in Health, 28 (3), 368-378. doi: 10.1016/j.jval.2024.12.002

The estimation of health state utility values for psychological distress in Australia: implications for future economic evaluations

2025

Journal Article

Decisions, decisions: observations of resource allocation under consumer-directed care

Kenny, Danelle, Nguyen, Kim-Huong, Breig, Zachary, Friesen, Lana and Comans, Tracy (2025). Decisions, decisions: observations of resource allocation under consumer-directed care. Healthcare, 13 (5) 516, 1-13. doi: 10.3390/healthcare13050516

Decisions, decisions: observations of resource allocation under consumer-directed care

2025

Journal Article

Characteristics and longitudinal clinical outcomes of people with type 2 diabetes in regional areas accessing a tertiary telehealth service: A retrospective cohort study

Tornvall, Ida, Bennetts, Denise, Balasooriya, Namal N, Comans, Tracy, Russell, Anthony W and Menon, Anish (2025). Characteristics and longitudinal clinical outcomes of people with type 2 diabetes in regional areas accessing a tertiary telehealth service: A retrospective cohort study. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare. doi: 10.1177/1357633x251314290

Characteristics and longitudinal clinical outcomes of people with type 2 diabetes in regional areas accessing a tertiary telehealth service: A retrospective cohort study

2025

Journal Article

Enhanced Advance care planning and life Review Longitudinal Intervention (EARLI): protocol for a cluster randomized controlled cross-over trial of life story work and facilitated advance care planning among older Australian adults in community settings

Karusoo-Musumeci, Ava, Yeoh, Ling, Walton, Rebecca, Dao-Tran, Tiet-Hanh, Halcomb, Elizabeth, Auret, Kirsten A., Clayton, Josephine M., Kurrle, Susan, Campbell, Elissa, Hilgeman, Michelle, Sinclair, Ron, Meller, Anne, Towler, Simon, Edwards, Caroline E., Comans, Tracy and Sinclair, Craig (2025). Enhanced Advance care planning and life Review Longitudinal Intervention (EARLI): protocol for a cluster randomized controlled cross-over trial of life story work and facilitated advance care planning among older Australian adults in community settings. Contemporary Clinical Trials, 149 107795, 1-9. doi: 10.1016/j.cct.2024.107795

Enhanced Advance care planning and life Review Longitudinal Intervention (EARLI): protocol for a cluster randomized controlled cross-over trial of life story work and facilitated advance care planning among older Australian adults in community settings

2025

Journal Article

Healthcare spending and factors associated with fall injury in Australia residential aged care: a cohort analysis

Okafor, Charles, Balasooriya, Namal N., Page, Amy T, Hill, Anne-Marie, Etherton-Beer, Christopher D and Comans, Tracy (2025). Healthcare spending and factors associated with fall injury in Australia residential aged care: a cohort analysis. Injury Prevention ip-2024-045516, ip-2024. doi: 10.1136/ip-2024-045516

Healthcare spending and factors associated with fall injury in Australia residential aged care: a cohort analysis

2025

Journal Article

Baseline Characteristics of Frailty and Disease Stage in Older People Living With CKD

Logan, Benignus, Pascoe, Elaine M., Viecelli, Andrea K., Johnson, David W., Comans, Tracy, Hawley, Carmel M., Hickey, Laura E., Janda, Monika, Jaure, Allison, Kalaw, Emarene, Kiriwandeniya, Charani, Matsuyama, Misa, Mihala, Gabor, Nguyen, Kim-Huong, Pole, Jason D., Polkinghorne, Kevan R., Pond, Constance, Raj, Rajesh, Reidlinger, Donna M., Scholes-Robertson, Nicole, Valks, Andrea, Wong, Germaine, Hubbard, Ruth E. and on behalf of The GOAL Trial Investigators (2025). Baseline Characteristics of Frailty and Disease Stage in Older People Living With CKD. Kidney International Reports, 10 (1), 120-133. doi: 10.1016/j.ekir.2024.10.009

Baseline Characteristics of Frailty and Disease Stage in Older People Living With CKD

2024

Journal Article

The Australian Frailty Network: Development of a consumer‐focussed national response to frailty

Reid, Natasha, Young, Adrienne, Baldassar, Loretta, Christoffersen, Anja, Comans, Tracy, Conroy, Simon, Etherton‐Beer, Christopher, Ferris, Jason, Singh, Maria Fiatarone, Fox, Sarah, Gordon, Emily H., Ghosh, Manonita, Guha, Chandana, Hilmer, Sarah, Kouladjian O’Donnell, Lisa, Logan, Benignus, Ludlow, Kristiana, Miller, Michelle, Morgan, Mark, Mudge, Alison, Muscedere, John, Reidlinger, Donna, Rockwood, Kenneth, Saunders, Rosemary, Ward, David, Yates, Paul and Hubbard, Ruth E. (2024). The Australian Frailty Network: Development of a consumer‐focussed national response to frailty. Australasian Journal on Ageing, 43 (4), 852-860. doi: 10.1111/ajag.13365

The Australian Frailty Network: Development of a consumer‐focussed national response to frailty

2024

Journal Article

A cost-effectiveness evaluation of a dietitian-delivered telephone coaching program during pregnancy for preventing gestational diabetes mellitus

de Jersey, Susan, Keramat, Syed Afroz, Chang, Angela, Meloncelli, Nina, Guthrie, Taylor, Eakin, Elizabeth and Comans, Tracy (2024). A cost-effectiveness evaluation of a dietitian-delivered telephone coaching program during pregnancy for preventing gestational diabetes mellitus. Cost Effectiveness and Resource Allocation, 22 (1) 18. doi: 10.1186/s12962-024-00520-9

A cost-effectiveness evaluation of a dietitian-delivered telephone coaching program during pregnancy for preventing gestational diabetes mellitus

2024

Journal Article

Development of a model of help-seeking for dementia diagnosis by the person experiencing changes and family supporters

Low, Lee-Fay, Barcenilla-Wong, Annica, Laver, Kate, Yates, Mark, Gibson, Caroline, Shen, Sam, Hall, Danika, Brodaty, Henry, Pond, Dimity, Comans, Tracy, Cations, Monica, Gresham, Meredith, Laranjo, Liliana, Tan, Edwin C.K. and Phillipson, Lyn (2024). Development of a model of help-seeking for dementia diagnosis by the person experiencing changes and family supporters. Aging & Mental Health, 1-10. doi: 10.1080/13607863.2024.2430537

Development of a model of help-seeking for dementia diagnosis by the person experiencing changes and family supporters

2024

Journal Article

Setting standards in residential aged care: identifying achievable benchmarks of care for long-term aged care services

Schwabe, Johannes, Caughey, Gillian E., Jorissen, Robert, Comans, Tracy, Gray, Len, Westbrook, Johanna, Braithwaite, Jeffrey, Hibbert, Peter, Wesselingh, Steven, Sluggett, Janet K., Wabe, Nasir and Inacio, Maria C. (2024). Setting standards in residential aged care: identifying achievable benchmarks of care for long-term aged care services. International Journal for Quality in Health Care, 36 (4) mzae105. doi: 10.1093/intqhc/mzae105

Setting standards in residential aged care: identifying achievable benchmarks of care for long-term aged care services

2024

Journal Article

A post‐diagnosis information and support programme for dyads—People living with dementia or mild cognitive impairment and family carers: A feasibility study

Stockwell‐Smith, Gillian, Moyle, Wendy, Grealish, Laurie, Comans, Tracy, Varghese, Paul, Whitlatch, Carol and Orsulic‐Jeras, Silvia (2024). A post‐diagnosis information and support programme for dyads—People living with dementia or mild cognitive impairment and family carers: A feasibility study. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 80 (11), 4422-4435. doi: 10.1111/jan.16167

A post‐diagnosis information and support programme for dyads—People living with dementia or mild cognitive impairment and family carers: A feasibility study

2024

Journal Article

Evaluation of the Interdisciplinary Care Home-bAsed Reablement Program (I-CHARP) for people living with cognitive impairment and dementia in care homes

Jeon, Yun-Hee, Hobbs, Anthony, Nelson, Karn, Fethney, Judith, Comans, Tracy, Conway, Jane, Mowszowski, Loren, Hill, Keith, Wesson, Jacqueline, Hewitt, Jennifer, Watson, Karen, Togher, Leanne, Allman-Farinelli, Margaret, O'Connor, Claire, Quinn, John, Petrie, Glenys, O'Leary, Fiona, MacAndrew, Margaret, Beattie, Elizabeth, Stears, Marc, Hilmer, Sarah, Sykes, David, Liddell, Anne and Little, Sophia (2024). Evaluation of the Interdisciplinary Care Home-bAsed Reablement Program (I-CHARP) for people living with cognitive impairment and dementia in care homes. Journal of Advanced Nursing. doi: 10.1111/jan.16588

Evaluation of the Interdisciplinary Care Home-bAsed Reablement Program (I-CHARP) for people living with cognitive impairment and dementia in care homes

2024

Conference Publication

Participate-CP 2: Optimising participation in physically active leisure for children with cerebral palsy: Phase III randomized controlled trial

Sakzewski, L., Reedman, S., Elliott, C., Ziviani, J., Novak, I., Trost, S., Majnemer, A., Comans, T., Shikako, K., Ware, R., McNamara, L., Williams, S., Keramat, S., Brookes, D. and Boyd, R. (2024). Participate-CP 2: Optimising participation in physically active leisure for children with cerebral palsy: Phase III randomized controlled trial. American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine, Quebec, QC Canada, 23-26 October 2024. Chichester, West Sussex United Kingdom: Wiley-Blackwell.

Participate-CP 2: Optimising participation in physically active leisure for children with cerebral palsy: Phase III randomized controlled trial

2024

Journal Article

Assessing a suitable radiotherapy utilisation benchmark for older patients with head and neck cancer

Mackenzie, Penny, Vajdic, Claire, Delaney, Geoff, Comans, Tracy, Agar, Meera, Gabriel, Gabriel and Barton, Michael (2024). Assessing a suitable radiotherapy utilisation benchmark for older patients with head and neck cancer. Clinical Oncology, 36 (10), e381-e387. doi: 10.1016/j.clon.2024.05.014

Assessing a suitable radiotherapy utilisation benchmark for older patients with head and neck cancer

2024

Journal Article

Factors Associated with Advance Care Planning Engagement Among Community‐Dwelling Older Adults: A Cross‐Sectional Study

Dao‐Tran, Tiet‐Hanh, Yeoh, Ling, Comans, Tracy, Karusoo‐Musumeci, Ava, Auret, Kirsten A., Sinclair, Ron, Hilgeman, Michelle M., Clayton, Josephine M., Halcomb, Elizabeth, Campbell, Elissa, Meller, Anne, Walton, Rebecca, Kurrle, Susan and Sinclair, Craig (2024). Factors Associated with Advance Care Planning Engagement Among Community‐Dwelling Older Adults: A Cross‐Sectional Study. Journal of Clinical Nursing. doi: 10.1111/jocn.17458

Factors Associated with Advance Care Planning Engagement Among Community‐Dwelling Older Adults: A Cross‐Sectional Study

2024

Journal Article

The association between vitamin D deficiency and multiple sclerosis: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis

Balasooriya, Namal N., Elliott, Thomas M., Neale, Rachel E., Vasquez, Paola, Comans, Tracy and Gordon, Louisa G. (2024). The association between vitamin D deficiency and multiple sclerosis: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders, 90 105804, 105804. doi: 10.1016/j.msard.2024.105804

The association between vitamin D deficiency and multiple sclerosis: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis

2024

Conference Publication

Participate-CP 2: optimizing participation in physically active leisure for children with cerebral palsy: phase III randomized controlled trial

Sakzewski, L., Novak, I., Elliott, C., Reedman, S., Majnemer, A., Ziviani, J., Trost, S., Comans, T., Shikako, K., Ware, R., McNamara, L., Williams, S., Keramat, S., Brookes, D. and Boyd, R. (2024). Participate-CP 2: optimizing participation in physically active leisure for children with cerebral palsy: phase III randomized controlled trial. Australasian Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine, Cairns, QLD Australia, 31 July-3 August 2024. Chichester, West Sussex United Kingdom: Wiley-Blackwell.

Participate-CP 2: optimizing participation in physically active leisure for children with cerebral palsy: phase III randomized controlled trial

2024

Journal Article

Quality indicators to monitor the quality and safety of care for older people: a scoping review protocol

Lathlean, Timothy J.H., Inacio, Maria C., Westbrook, Johanna, Gray, Len, Braithwaite, Jeffrey, Hibbert, Peter, Comans, Tracy, Crotty, Maria, Wesselingh, Steve, Sluggett, Janet K., Ward, Stephanie, Wabe, Nasir and Caughey, Gillian E. (2024). Quality indicators to monitor the quality and safety of care for older people: a scoping review protocol. JBI Evidence Synthesis, 22 (9), 1857-1865. doi: 10.11124/jbies-23-00212

Quality indicators to monitor the quality and safety of care for older people: a scoping review protocol

Funding

Current funding

  • 2024 - 2028
    The clinical and cost effectiveness of the Action Falls rehabilitation programme compared to usual care alone to reduce falls in stroke survivors (The FISS-AUSTRALIA trial)
    NHMRC-National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Collaborative Research Grants
    Open grant
  • 2024 - 2028
    Derivation, Validation and Implementation of a Digital Frailty Index for Acute Care Settings in Queensland
    NHMRC Partnership Projects
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2028
    The clinical and cost-effectiveness of lumbar fusion surgery for patients with persistent, severe low back pain: FusiOn veRsus bEst coNServative Care (the FORENSIC trial)
    NHMRC-National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Collaborative Research Grants
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2027
    Australian Cerebral Palsy Musculoskeletal Health Network
    NHMRC MRFF EPCDR - Chronic Musculoskeletal Conditions in Children and Adolescents
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2027
    Frailty KIT: An Australian Frailty Network to Create Knowledge, Implement Findings and Support Training
    NHMRC MRFF Dementia, Ageing and Aged Care Mission
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2028
    ACTIVE KNEECAPs! tArgeted effeCTIVE treatments for adolescent KNEECAP pain
    NHMRC MRFF EPCDR - Chronic Musculoskeletal Conditions in Children and Adolescents
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2027
    Optimising functional and social independence and safety of older people living with dementia in care homes: Implementation research (NHMRC Partnership Projects administered by University of Sydney)
    University of Sydney
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2027
    Reverse or Anatomical (replacement) for Painful Shoulder Osteoarthritis: Differences between Interventions. Acronym; RAPSODI (NHMRC-NIHR grant administered by Deakin University).
    Deakin University
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2026
    Centre of Research Excellence - REduce the burden of antimicrobial reSistance through oPtimal, persONalised Dosing (RESPOND)
    NHMRC Centres of Research Excellence
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2026
    The Enhanced Advance care planning & life Review Longitudinal Intervention (EARLI) study: Increasing proactive care planning in Australian community aged care settings (NHMRC TCR administered by UNSW)
    University of New South Wales
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2025
    Taking a whole of day approach to optimising activity to prevent dementia in people with type 2 diabetes (NHMRC Boosting Dementia Research Grant led by USQ)
    University of Southern Queensland
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2026
    ACTIVE STRIDES-CP: Randomised trial of Intensive Rehabilitation (Combined Intensive Gait and Cycling Training) for children with moderate to severe bilateral cerebral palsy
    NHMRC Clinical Trials and Cohort Studies Grants
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2025
    School Readiness child outcomes of early neuroprotection/ early neurorehabilitation for infants at high risk of Cerebral Palsy- in the first 2,000 days
    NHMRC MRFF PPHR - Maternal Health and First 2000 Days, Early Childhood, and Exercise and Nutrition
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2026
    4CD - Connecting Care for Complex Chronic Disease - Diabetes [REMODeL an Integrated Model of Care for Diabetes (Re-IMCD)] (Metro South HHS Research Support Scheme grant administered by MNHHS)
    Metro South Health Research Support Scheme Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2025
    The GOAL Trial: Comprehensive geriatric assessment for frail older people with chronic kidney disease to increase attainment of patient-identified goals: A cluster randomised controlled trial
    NHMRC Targeted Research
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2023 - 2024
    To know me is to understand me: Digital life story packages in dementia care transitions (MRFF DAAC externally led by Australian National University (ANU)
    The Australian National University
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2024
    Evaluation of primary care and help-seeking promotion programs to increase dementia diagnosis and early treatment (MRFF DAAC Grant administered by University of Sydney)
    University of Sydney
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2022
    Equity Framework: System Analysis
    Health and Wellbeing Queensland
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2024
    The harms and benefits of sun exposure: striking the right balance (Cancer Australia PdCCRS grant led by QIMR Berghofer)
    QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2024
    Alignment, Harmonisation, and Results: translating Core Outcome Measures to Improve Care (COM-IC) for People Living with Dementia into Australian practice
    NHMRC MRFF Dementia, Ageing and Aged Care Mission
    Open grant
  • 2021
    Digital Hospital: A cost-benefit analysis to inform business cases
    Queensland Health
    Open grant
  • 2021
    Taking a whole of day approach to optimising activity to prevent dementia in people with type 2 diabetes
    Boosting Dementia Research Grants (PR5): Implementing Dementia Risk Reduction and Prevention Research
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2022
    Improving Australia's Dementia Statistic
    Boosting Dementia Research Grants Scheme (PR6): Improving Dementia Data and Methods
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2022
    Implementation of GLA:D in Queensland public health services: towards a standardised non-surgical management approach for hip and knee osteoarthritis
    Metro North Hospital and Health Service
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2019
    A trial to evaluate innovative models of respite care. Implementing an inter-generational community day care centre for Australians living with cognitive decline (and carers) and younger...
    Griffith University
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2019
    Develop a preference based measure to value quality of life for people with a diagnosis of dementia or cognitive decline - under 9100000 (NHMRC Partnership Centre administered by University Sydney)
    University of Sydney
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2021
    Ensuring the sustainability of care for people with dementia now and into the future
    NHMRC Boosting Dementia Research Leadership Fellowship
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2019
    Sustainable, Cost Effective, Smart Assisted Independent Living - Smarter Safer Homes (SCEFSAIL-SSH) (DACS grant administered by CSIRO)
    CSIRO
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2019
    The Partnership Centre on Dealing with Cognitive and Related Functional Decline in Older People (NHMRC Partnership Centre administered by The University of Sydney)
    University of Sydney
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2017
    A workplace-based exercise intervention to prevent and reduce the economic and personal burden of non-specific neck pain in the office personnel
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant

Supervision

Availability

Professor Tracy Comans is:
Not available for supervision

Supervision history

Current supervision

Completed supervision

Media

Enquiries

For media enquiries about Professor Tracy Comans's areas of expertise, story ideas and help finding experts, contact our Media team:

communications@uq.edu.au