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)

221 - 238 of 238 works

2013

Journal Article

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

Comans, Tracy, Visser, Victoria and Scuffham, Paul (2013). Cost effectiveness of a community-based crisis intervention program for people bereaved by suicide. Crisis: The Journal of Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention, 34 (6), 390-397. doi: 10.1027/0227-5910/a000210

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

2012

Journal Article

Staying Safe at Home. Home environmental audit recommendations and uptake in an older population at high risk of falling

Currin, Michelle L., Comans, Tracy A., Heathcote, Kathy and Haines, Terry P. (2012). Staying Safe at Home. Home environmental audit recommendations and uptake in an older population at high risk of falling. Australasian Journal On Ageing, 31 (2), 90-95. doi: 10.1111/j.1741-6612.2011.00545.x

Staying Safe at Home. Home environmental audit recommendations and uptake in an older population at high risk of falling

2012

Journal Article

Using staffing ratios for workforce planning: evidence on nine allied health professions

Cartmill, Linda, Comans, Tracy A., Clark, Michele J., Ash, Susan and Sheppard, Lorraine (2012). Using staffing ratios for workforce planning: evidence on nine allied health professions. Human Resources for Health, 10 (1) 2. doi: 10.1186/1478-4491-10-2

Using staffing ratios for workforce planning: evidence on nine allied health professions

2012

Conference Publication

Utility Values for Use in Health Care Decision Making for Older Frail Adults

Comans, T. A., Scuffham, P. A., Gray, L. and Peel, N. (2012). Utility Values for Use in Health Care Decision Making for Older Frail Adults. ISPOR 15th Annual European Congress and ISPOR 5th Asia-Pacific Conference, Berlin, Germany, 3-7 November 1012. New York, NY, United States: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.jval.2012.08.219

Utility Values for Use in Health Care Decision Making for Older Frail Adults

2012

Journal Article

A randomised controlled trial of an enhanced interdisciplinary community based group program for people with Parkinson's disease: study rationale and protocol

Peters, Catherine, Currin, Michelle, Tyson, Sara, Rogers, Anthea, Healy, Susan, McPhail, Steven, Brauer, Sandra G., Heathcote, Katharine and Comans, Tracy (2012). A randomised controlled trial of an enhanced interdisciplinary community based group program for people with Parkinson's disease: study rationale and protocol. Neurology International, 4 (1) e3, 9-14. doi: 10.4081/ni.2012.e3

A randomised controlled trial of an enhanced interdisciplinary community based group program for people with Parkinson's disease: study rationale and protocol

2012

Journal Article

Can post-acute care programmes for older people reduce overall costs in the health system? A case study using the Australian Transition Care Programme

Hall, C. J., Peel, N. M., Comans, T. A., Gray, L. C. and Scuffham, P. A. (2012). Can post-acute care programmes for older people reduce overall costs in the health system? A case study using the Australian Transition Care Programme. Health and Social Care in the Community, 20 (1), 97-102. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2524.2011.01024.x

Can post-acute care programmes for older people reduce overall costs in the health system? A case study using the Australian Transition Care Programme

2011

Journal Article

Guidelines for conducting and reporting economic evaluation of fall prevention strategies

Davis, J.C., Robertson, M.C., Comans, T. and Scuffham, P.A. (2011). Guidelines for conducting and reporting economic evaluation of fall prevention strategies. Osteoporosis International, 22 (9), 2449-2459. doi: 10.1007/s00198-010-1482-0

Guidelines for conducting and reporting economic evaluation of fall prevention strategies

2011

Journal Article

How do allied health professionals evaluate new models of care? What are we measuring and why?

Comans, Tracy A., Clark, Michele J., Cartmill, Linda, Ash, Susan and Sheppard, Lorraine A. (2011). How do allied health professionals evaluate new models of care? What are we measuring and why?. Journal for Healthcare Quality, 33 (4), 19-28. doi: 10.1111/j.1945-1474.2011.00152.x

How do allied health professionals evaluate new models of care? What are we measuring and why?

2011

Other Outputs

Framework for review of existing Medicare Benefits Schedule items: final report for the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing

Turkstra, Erika, Whitty, Jennifer, Comans, Tracy and Scuffham, Paul (2011). Framework for review of existing Medicare Benefits Schedule items: final report for the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing. Nathan, QLD, Australia: Griffith University.

Framework for review of existing Medicare Benefits Schedule items: final report for the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing

2011

Journal Article

Factors associated with quality of life and caregiver strain amongst frail older adults referred to a community rehabilitation service: implications for service delivery

Comans, Tracy A., Currin, Michelle L., Brauer, Sandra G. and Haines, Terry P (2011). Factors associated with quality of life and caregiver strain amongst frail older adults referred to a community rehabilitation service: implications for service delivery. Disability and Rehabilitation, 33 (13-14), 1251-1221. doi: 10.3109/09638288.2010.525288

Factors associated with quality of life and caregiver strain amongst frail older adults referred to a community rehabilitation service: implications for service delivery

2010

Journal Article

Evidence of disagreement between patient-perceived change and conventional longitudinal evaluation of change in health-related quality of life among older adults

McPhail, Steven, Comans, Tracy and Haines, Terry (2010). Evidence of disagreement between patient-perceived change and conventional longitudinal evaluation of change in health-related quality of life among older adults. Clinical Rehabilitation, 24 (11), 1036-1044. doi: 10.1177/0269215510371422

Evidence of disagreement between patient-perceived change and conventional longitudinal evaluation of change in health-related quality of life among older adults

2010

Journal Article

Randomized trial of domiciliary versus center-based rehabilitation: Which is more effective in reducing falls and improving quality of life in older fallers?

Comans, Tracy A., Brauer, Sandy G. and Haines, Terry P. (2010). Randomized trial of domiciliary versus center-based rehabilitation: Which is more effective in reducing falls and improving quality of life in older fallers?. Journals of Gerontology - Series A Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences, 65A (6), 672-679. doi: 10.1093/gerona/glq054

Randomized trial of domiciliary versus center-based rehabilitation: Which is more effective in reducing falls and improving quality of life in older fallers?

2010

Journal Article

Development of a participatory process to address fragmented application of outcome measurement for rehabilitation in community settings

Hillier, Susan, Comans, Tracy, Sutton, Mathew, Amsters, Delena and Kendall, Melissa (2010). Development of a participatory process to address fragmented application of outcome measurement for rehabilitation in community settings. Disability and Rehabilitation, 32 (6), 511-520. doi: 10.3109/09638280903171519

Development of a participatory process to address fragmented application of outcome measurement for rehabilitation in community settings

2010

Conference Publication

Effectiveness of an Enhanced Multidisciplinary Community Based Group Program for Parkinson's Disease

Peters, C., Currin, M., Rogers, A., Tyson, S., Comans, T., Healy, S., McPhail, S., Heathcote, K. and Brauer, S. (2010). Effectiveness of an Enhanced Multidisciplinary Community Based Group Program for Parkinson's Disease. 2nd World Parkinson Congress, Glasgow, Scotland, 28 September - 1 October 2010. HOBOKEN: WILEY-LISS.

Effectiveness of an Enhanced Multidisciplinary Community Based Group Program for Parkinson's Disease

2009

Other Outputs

Report to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee on the clinical and cost-effectiveness of the biological disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs)

Scuffham, P. A., Whyte, P., Whitty, J. A., Ng, S-K., Priest, V., Comans, T. and Turkstra, E. (2009). Report to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee on the clinical and cost-effectiveness of the biological disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs). Not available:

Report to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee on the clinical and cost-effectiveness of the biological disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs)

2009

Journal Article

A break-even analysis of a community rehabilitation falls prevention service

Comans, T., Brauer, S. and Haines, T. (2009). A break-even analysis of a community rehabilitation falls prevention service. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 33 (3), 240-245. doi: 10.1111/j.1753-6405.2009.00382.x

A break-even analysis of a community rehabilitation falls prevention service

2009

Conference Publication

Which is more effective at reducing falls and improving quality of life in older fallers? Domiciliary versus centre-based rehabilitation

Haines, T., Comans, T., Currin, M., Peters, C. and Brauer, S. (2009). Which is more effective at reducing falls and improving quality of life in older fallers? Domiciliary versus centre-based rehabilitation. 42nd National Conference of the Australian Association of Gerontology, National Convention Centre, Canberra, ACT, Australia, 25–27 November 2009. Richmond, VIC Australia: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Asia.

Which is more effective at reducing falls and improving quality of life in older fallers? Domiciliary versus centre-based rehabilitation

2008

Journal Article

Domiciliary versus centre-based rehabilitation of older community dwellers: Protocol of randomized trial with economic evaluation.

Comans, T., Brauer, S. G. and Haines, T. (2008). Domiciliary versus centre-based rehabilitation of older community dwellers: Protocol of randomized trial with economic evaluation.. The Open Geriatric Medicine Journal, 1, 62-67. doi: 10.2174/1874827900801010062

Domiciliary versus centre-based rehabilitation of older community dwellers: Protocol of randomized trial with economic evaluation.

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