Professor Tracy Comans
Professor

Tracy Comans

Email: 

Background

Professor Tracy Comans, UQ Amplify Fellow at the Schoolf of Public Health, University of Queensland, and CEO of the National Ageing Research Institute. With her extensive background in health policy, health economics and physiotherapy, Prof Comans brings a unique perspective to her role, bridging the gap between evidence and policy. Prof Comans has been instrumental in shaping aged care policy, using her research to inform and influence implementation of the Royal Commission recommendations. Her work has led to significant advancements in the reporting of the quality of aged care services.

Her research uses economic theories and tools to understand human behaviours in health, individually and collectively, and their impacts on the health system, the wider economy and society. Prof Comans worked for 20+ years in hospital and community settings specializing in geriatric and rehabilitation physiotherapy with embedded research and has worked for over 15 years as a university researcher. She works closely with industry, people with lived experience and health care providers to develop a program of research focused on improving the quality of aged care services that is relevant to the needs of these groups.

Availability

Professor Tracy Comans is:
Not available for supervision

Fields of research

Aged health care Applied economics Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Economics Health Sciences Health economics

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

Search Professor Tracy Comans’s works on UQ eSpace

238 works between 2008 and 2026
All (238) Book (1) Journal Article (192) Other Outputs (12) Conference Publication (32) Book Chapter (1)

201 - 220 of 238 works

2015

Book Chapter

Listening to the experts: Is there a place for food taxation in the fight against obesity in early childhood?

Pitt, Erin, Kendall, Elizabeth, Hills, Andrew P. and Comans, Tracy (2015). Listening to the experts: Is there a place for food taxation in the fight against obesity in early childhood?. The Childhood Obesity Epidemic: Why Are Our Children Obese-And What Can We Do About It?. (pp. 235-253) Oakville, Canada: Apple Academic Press.

Listening to the experts: Is there a place for food taxation in the fight against obesity in early childhood?

2015

Conference Publication

The exercise, but not quality of life, response to pulmonary rehabilitation predicts reduction in health care utilization in the following two years

Walsh, J., Pegg, J., Yerkovich, S., Morris, N., Mckeough, Z., Comans, T., Paratz, J. and Chambers, D. (2015). The exercise, but not quality of life, response to pulmonary rehabilitation predicts reduction in health care utilization in the following two years. Thoracic Society Australia New Zealand Australian New Zealand Society Respiratory Science Annual Scientific Meeting 2015, Queensland, Australia, 27 March - 1 April, 2015. Richmond, VIC, Australia: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Asia. doi: 10.1111/resp.12494_2

The exercise, but not quality of life, response to pulmonary rehabilitation predicts reduction in health care utilization in the following two years

2015

Other Outputs

Endobronchial valves for patients with advanced heterogeneous emphysema

Comans, Tracy (2015). Endobronchial valves for patients with advanced heterogeneous emphysema. Queensland: State of Queensland.

Endobronchial valves for patients with advanced heterogeneous emphysema

2015

Conference Publication

Health care utilisation benefits following pulmonary rehabilitation

Walsh, J., Pegg, J., Yerkovich, S., Morris, N., Mckeough, Z., Comans, T., Paratz, J. and Chambers, D. (2015). Health care utilisation benefits following pulmonary rehabilitation. Thoracic Society Australia New Zealand Australian New Zealand Society Respiratory Science Annual Scientific Meeting 2015, Queensland, Australia, 27 March - 1 April, 2015. Richmond, VIC, Australia: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Asia.

Health care utilisation benefits following pulmonary rehabilitation

2015

Journal Article

Medicare rebate for specialist medical practitioners from physiotherapy referrals: analysis of the potential impact on the Australian healthcare system

Byrnes, Joshua M. and Comans, Tracy A. (2015). Medicare rebate for specialist medical practitioners from physiotherapy referrals: analysis of the potential impact on the Australian healthcare system. Australian Health Review, 39 (1), 12-17. doi: 10.1071/AH13196

Medicare rebate for specialist medical practitioners from physiotherapy referrals: analysis of the potential impact on the Australian healthcare system

2014

Journal Article

An experienced physiotherapist prescribing and administering corticosteroid and local anaesthetic injections to the shoulder in an Australian orthopaedic service, a non-inferiority randomised controlled trial and economic analysis: study protocol for a ra

Marks, Darryn, Bisset, Leanne, Thomas, Michael, O'Leary, Shaun, Comans, Tracy, Ng, Shu Kay, Conaghan, Philip G. and Scuffham, Paul (2014). An experienced physiotherapist prescribing and administering corticosteroid and local anaesthetic injections to the shoulder in an Australian orthopaedic service, a non-inferiority randomised controlled trial and economic analysis: study protocol for a ra. Trials, 15 (503) 503, 503. doi: 10.1186/1745-6215-15-503

An experienced physiotherapist prescribing and administering corticosteroid and local anaesthetic injections to the shoulder in an Australian orthopaedic service, a non-inferiority randomised controlled trial and economic analysis: study protocol for a ra

2014

Journal Article

A workplace exercise versus health promotion intervention to prevent and reduce the economic and personal burden of non-specific neck pain in office personnel: protocol of a cluster-randomised controlled trial

Johnston, V., O'Leary, S., Comans, T., Straker, L., Melloh, M., Khan, A. and Sjogaard, G. (2014). A workplace exercise versus health promotion intervention to prevent and reduce the economic and personal burden of non-specific neck pain in office personnel: protocol of a cluster-randomised controlled trial. Journal of Physiotherapy, 60 (4), 223-223. doi: 10.1016/j.jphys.2014.08.007

A workplace exercise versus health promotion intervention to prevent and reduce the economic and personal burden of non-specific neck pain in office personnel: protocol of a cluster-randomised controlled trial

2014

Journal Article

PC6 acupoint stimulation for the prevention of postcardiac surgery nausea and vomiting: a protocol for a two-group, parallel, superiority randomised clinical trial

Cooke, Marie, Rickard, Claire, Rapchuk, Ivan, Shekar, Kiran, Marshall, Andrea P., Comans, Tracy, Doi, Suhail, McDonald, John and Spooner, Amy (2014). PC6 acupoint stimulation for the prevention of postcardiac surgery nausea and vomiting: a protocol for a two-group, parallel, superiority randomised clinical trial. BMJ Open, 4 (11) 006179, 1-6. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2014-006179

PC6 acupoint stimulation for the prevention of postcardiac surgery nausea and vomiting: a protocol for a two-group, parallel, superiority randomised clinical trial

2014

Journal Article

Cost-effectiveness of a physiotherapist-led service for orthopaedic outpatients

Comans, Tracy, Raymer, Maree, O'Leary, Shaun, Smith, David and Scuffham, Paul (2014). Cost-effectiveness of a physiotherapist-led service for orthopaedic outpatients. Journal of Health Services Research and Policy, 19 (4), 216-223. doi: 10.1177/1355819614533675

Cost-effectiveness of a physiotherapist-led service for orthopaedic outpatients

2014

Journal Article

Markov modelling and DES in health care: a systematic comparison

Standfield, Lachlan, Comans, Tracy A. and Scuffham, Paul (2014). Markov modelling and DES in health care: a systematic comparison. International Journal of Technology Assessment in Health Care, 30 (2), 165-172. doi: 10.1017/S0266462314000117

Markov modelling and DES in health care: a systematic comparison

2014

Journal Article

Yes, the government should tax soft drinks: Findings from a citizens' Jury in Australia

Moretto, Nicole, Kendall, Elizabeth, Whitty, Jennifer, Byrnes, Joshua, Hills, Andrew P., Gordon, Louisa, Turkstra, Erika, Scuffham, Paul and Comans, Tracy (2014). Yes, the government should tax soft drinks: Findings from a citizens' Jury in Australia. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 11 (3), 2456-2471. doi: 10.3390/ijerph110302456

Yes, the government should tax soft drinks: Findings from a citizens' Jury in Australia

2014

Journal Article

Evaluation of the effectiveness of a community-based crisis intervention program for people bereaved by suicide

Visser, V.S., Comans, T.A. and Scuffham, P.A. (2014). Evaluation of the effectiveness of a community-based crisis intervention program for people bereaved by suicide. Journal of Community Psychology, 42 (1), 19-28. doi: 10.1002/jcop.21586

Evaluation of the effectiveness of a community-based crisis intervention program for people bereaved by suicide

2014

Journal Article

IMPOSE (IMProving Outcomes after Sepsis)-the effect of a multidisciplinary follow-up service on health-related quality of life in patients postsepsis syndromes-a double-blinded randomised controlled trial: protocol

Paratz, Jennifer D., Kenardy, Justin, Mitchell, Geoffrey, Comans, Tracy, Coyer, Fiona, Thomas, Peter, Singh, Sunil, Luparia, Louise and Boots, Robert J. (2014). IMPOSE (IMProving Outcomes after Sepsis)-the effect of a multidisciplinary follow-up service on health-related quality of life in patients postsepsis syndromes-a double-blinded randomised controlled trial: protocol. BMJ Open, 4 (5) e004966, e004966. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2014-004966

IMPOSE (IMProving Outcomes after Sepsis)-the effect of a multidisciplinary follow-up service on health-related quality of life in patients postsepsis syndromes-a double-blinded randomised controlled trial: protocol

2014

Journal Article

Listening to the experts: is there a place for food taxation in the fight against obesity in early childhood?

Pitt, Erin, Kendall, Elizabeth, Hills, Andrew P. and Comans, Tracy A. (2014). Listening to the experts: is there a place for food taxation in the fight against obesity in early childhood?. BMC Obesity, 1 (15) 15, 1-9. doi: 10.1186/s40608-014-0015-3

Listening to the experts: is there a place for food taxation in the fight against obesity in early childhood?

2013

Journal Article

The cost-effectiveness and consumer acceptability of taxation strategies to reduce rates of overweight and obesity among children in Australia: Study protocol

Comans T.A., Whitty J.A., Hills A.P., Kendall E., Turkstra E., Gordon L.G., Byrnes J.M. and Scuffham P.A. (2013). The cost-effectiveness and consumer acceptability of taxation strategies to reduce rates of overweight and obesity among children in Australia: Study protocol. BMC Public Health, 13 (1) 1182, 1182.1-1182.6. doi: 10.1186/1471-2458-13-1182

The cost-effectiveness and consumer acceptability of taxation strategies to reduce rates of overweight and obesity among children in Australia: Study protocol

2013

Journal Article

A break-even analysis of delivering a memory clinic by videoconferencing

Comans, Tracy A., Martin-Kahn, Melinda, Gray, Leonard C. and Scuffham, Paul A. (2013). A break-even analysis of delivering a memory clinic by videoconferencing. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 19 (7), 393-396. doi: 10.1177/1357633X13506532

A break-even analysis of delivering a memory clinic by videoconferencing

2013

Other Outputs

Engaging the public in prevention of childhood obesity: a citizens jury to address childhood obesity: Is taxation an appropriate strategy for reducing childhood obesity? Report: Verdicts and Recommendations

Moretto, N., Simons, A., Pitt, E., Whitty, J. A., Hills, A., Kendall, E., Turkstra, E., Gordon, L., Byrnes, J., Scuffham, P. and Comans, T. (2013). Engaging the public in prevention of childhood obesity: a citizens jury to address childhood obesity: Is taxation an appropriate strategy for reducing childhood obesity? Report: Verdicts and Recommendations. Nathan, QLD, Australia: Population & Social Health Research Program, Griffith Health Institute.

Engaging the public in prevention of childhood obesity: a citizens jury to address childhood obesity: Is taxation an appropriate strategy for reducing childhood obesity? Report: Verdicts and Recommendations

2013

Journal Article

Quality of life of older frail persons receiving a post-discharge program

Comans, Tracy A., Peel, Nancye M., Gray, Leonard C. and Scuffham, Paul A. (2013). Quality of life of older frail persons receiving a post-discharge program. Health and Quality of Life Outcomes, 11 (1) 58. doi: 10.1186/1477-7525-11-58

Quality of life of older frail persons receiving a post-discharge program

2013

Journal Article

Move it to improve it (Mitii): study protocol of a randomised controlled trial of a novel web-based multimodal training program for children and adolescents with cerebral palsy

Boyd, Roslyn N., Mitchell, Louise E., James, Sarah T., Ziviani, Jenny, Sakzewski, Leanne, Smith, Anthony, Rose, Stephen, Cunnington, Ross, Whittingham, Koa, Ware, Robert S., Comans, Tracey A. and Scuffham, Paul A. (2013). Move it to improve it (Mitii): study protocol of a randomised controlled trial of a novel web-based multimodal training program for children and adolescents with cerebral palsy. BMJ Open, 3 (4) e002853, e002853.1-e002853.20. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2013-002853

Move it to improve it (Mitii): study protocol of a randomised controlled trial of a novel web-based multimodal training program for children and adolescents with cerebral palsy

2013

Journal Article

Problems with a great idea: referral by prehospital emergency services to a community-based falls-prevention service

Comans, Tracy A., Currin, Michelle L., Quinn, Jamie, Tippett, Vivienne, Rogers, Anthea and Haines, Terry P. (2013). Problems with a great idea: referral by prehospital emergency services to a community-based falls-prevention service. Injury Prevention, 19 (2), 134-138. doi: 10.1136/injuryprev-2011-040076

Problems with a great idea: referral by prehospital emergency services to a community-based falls-prevention service

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 - 2029
    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
    DRIVE CP: Directing Research In Very Early Cerebral Palsy (NHMRC CRE administered by University of Sydney)
    University of Sydney
    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 - 2028
    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

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 - 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 - 2022
    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 - 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 - 2026
    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
    Digital Hospital: A cost-benefit analysis to inform business cases
    Queensland Health
    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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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 - 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

Availability

Professor Tracy Comans is:
Not available for supervision

Supervision history

Current supervision

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Improving diabetes care with digital health

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr David Chua

Completed supervision

Enquiries

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communications@uq.edu.au