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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

191 works between 2008 and 2024

41 - 60 of 191 works

2023

Journal Article

Deprescribing to optimise health outcomes for frail older people: a double-blind placebo-controlled randomised controlled trial-outcomes of the Opti-med study

Etherton-Beer, Christopher, Page, Amy, Naganathan, Vasi, Potter, Kathleen, Comans, Tracy, Hilmer, Sarah N., McLachlan, Andrew J., Lindley, Richard I. and Mangin, Dee (2023). Deprescribing to optimise health outcomes for frail older people: a double-blind placebo-controlled randomised controlled trial-outcomes of the Opti-med study. Age and ageing, 52 (5) afad081. doi: 10.1093/ageing/afad081

Deprescribing to optimise health outcomes for frail older people: a double-blind placebo-controlled randomised controlled trial-outcomes of the Opti-med study

2023

Conference Publication

Radiotherapy Utilisation and Geriatric Oncology: Lung, Rectal, Prostate and Cervical Cancer

Mackenzie, P., Vajdic, C., Delaney, G., Comans, T., Agar, M., Gabriel, G. and Barton, M. (2023). Radiotherapy Utilisation and Geriatric Oncology: Lung, Rectal, Prostate and Cervical Cancer. ESTRO 2023, Vienna, Austria, 13 - 16 May 2023. Shannon, Ireland: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/s0167-8140(23)08696-6

Radiotherapy Utilisation and Geriatric Oncology: Lung, Rectal, Prostate and Cervical Cancer

2023

Conference Publication

Developing the monitoring and evaluation framework for ‘Australia’s antimicrobial resistance strategy: 2020 and beyond’ using a one health approach

Hall, Lisa, Lawler, Sheleigh, Comans, Tracy, Reid, Simon, Soares Magalhães, Ricardo, Blaskovich, Mark, Henseleit, Julia and Welch, Alyssa (2023). Developing the monitoring and evaluation framework for ‘Australia’s antimicrobial resistance strategy: 2020 and beyond’ using a one health approach. 17th World Congress on Public Health, Rome, Italy, 2-6 May 2023. Heraklion, Greece: EU European Publishing. doi: 10.18332/popmed/163919

Developing the monitoring and evaluation framework for ‘Australia’s antimicrobial resistance strategy: 2020 and beyond’ using a one health approach

2023

Journal Article

Deprescribing for older people living in residential aged care facilities: pharmacist recommendations, doctor acceptance and implementation

Quek, Hui Wen, Etherton-Beer, Christopher, Page, Amy, McLachlan, Andrew J, Lo, Sarita Y, Naganathan, Vasi, Kearney, Leanne, Hilmer, Sarah N, Comans, Tracy, Mangin, Derelie, Lindley, Richard I and Potter, Kathleen (2023). Deprescribing for older people living in residential aged care facilities: pharmacist recommendations, doctor acceptance and implementation. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, 107 104910, 1-10. doi: 10.1016/j.archger.2022.104910

Deprescribing for older people living in residential aged care facilities: pharmacist recommendations, doctor acceptance and implementation

2023

Journal Article

Evaluating telehealth for the education and monitoring of lymphoedema and shoulder dysfunction after breast cancer surgery

Naumann, Leonie, Reul-Hirche, Hildegard, Comans, Tracy, Burns, Clare L., Paratz, Jenny and Cottrell, Michelle (2023). Evaluating telehealth for the education and monitoring of lymphoedema and shoulder dysfunction after breast cancer surgery. Supportive Care in Cancer, 31 (4) 239, 1-9. doi: 10.1007/s00520-023-07693-8

Evaluating telehealth for the education and monitoring of lymphoedema and shoulder dysfunction after breast cancer surgery

2023

Journal Article

ACTIVE STRIDES-CP: protocol for a randomised trial of intensive rehabilitation (combined intensive gait and cycling training) for children with moderate-to-severe bilateral cerebral palsy

Sakzewski, Leanne, Pool, Dayna, Armstrong, Ellen, Reedman, Sarah Elizabeth, Boyd, Roslyn N., Elliott, Catherine, Novak, Iona, Trost, Stewart, Ware, Robert S., Comans, Tracy, Toovey, Rachel, Peterson, Mark D., Kentish, Megan, Horan, Sean, Valentine, Jane and Williams, Sian (2023). ACTIVE STRIDES-CP: protocol for a randomised trial of intensive rehabilitation (combined intensive gait and cycling training) for children with moderate-to-severe bilateral cerebral palsy. BMJ Open, 13 (3) e068774, 1-15. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-068774

ACTIVE STRIDES-CP: protocol for a randomised trial of intensive rehabilitation (combined intensive gait and cycling training) for children with moderate-to-severe bilateral cerebral palsy

2023

Journal Article

Study protocol: peer delivered early intervention (Learning through Everyday Activities with Parents for Infants at risk of Cerebral Palsy: LEAP-CP) for First Nation Australian infants at high risk of cerebral palsy – an RCT study

Benfer, Katherine, Boyd, Roslyn N, Roe, Yvette, Fagan, Ruth, Luke, Carly, Mick-Ramsamy, Leeann, Whittingham, Koa, Novak, Iona, Bosanquet, Margot, McNamara, Lynda, Khandaker, Gulam, Fogarty, Lucy, Cadet-James, Yvonne, Ruben, Alan, Comans, Tracy, Smith, Anthony and Ware, Robert S (2023). Study protocol: peer delivered early intervention (Learning through Everyday Activities with Parents for Infants at risk of Cerebral Palsy: LEAP-CP) for First Nation Australian infants at high risk of cerebral palsy – an RCT study. BMJ Open, 13 (3) e059531, 1-16. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-059531

Study protocol: peer delivered early intervention (Learning through Everyday Activities with Parents for Infants at risk of Cerebral Palsy: LEAP-CP) for First Nation Australian infants at high risk of cerebral palsy – an RCT study

2023

Journal Article

Show me the money: how do we justify spending health care dollars on digital health?

Woods, Leanna, Eden, Rebekah, Canfell, Oliver J., Nguyen, Kim‐Huong, Comans, Tracy and Sullivan, Clair (2023). Show me the money: how do we justify spending health care dollars on digital health?. Medical Journal of Australia, 218 (2), 53-57. doi: 10.5694/mja2.51799

Show me the money: how do we justify spending health care dollars on digital health?

2023

Journal Article

School readiness of children at high risk of cerebral palsy randomised to early neuroprotection and neurorehabilitation: protocol for a follow-up study of participants from four randomised clinical trials

Boyd, Roslyn N., Novak, Iona, Morgan, Catherine, Bora, Samudragupta, Sakzewski, Leanne, Ware, Robert S., Comans, Tracy, Fahey, Michael Collingwood, Whittingham, Koa, Trost, Stewart, Pannek, Kerstin, Pagnozzi, Alex, Mcintyre, Sarah, Badawi, Nadia, Smithers Sheedy, Hayley, Palmer, Kirsten Rebecca, Burgess, Andrea, Keramat, Afroz, Bell, Kristie, Hines, Ashleigh, Benfer, Katherine, Gascoigne-Pees, Laura, Leishman, Shaneen and Oftedal, Stina (2023). School readiness of children at high risk of cerebral palsy randomised to early neuroprotection and neurorehabilitation: protocol for a follow-up study of participants from four randomised clinical trials. BMJ Open, 13 (2) e068675, 1-17. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-068675

School readiness of children at high risk of cerebral palsy randomised to early neuroprotection and neurorehabilitation: protocol for a follow-up study of participants from four randomised clinical trials

2023

Conference Publication

Developing the monitoring and evaluation framework for ‘Australia’s antimicrobial resistance strategy: 2020 and beyond’ using a one health approach

Hall, Lisa, Lawler, Sheleigh, Comans, Tracy, Reid, Simon, Magalhães, Ricardo Soares, Blaskovich, Mark, Henseleit, Julia and Welch, Alyssa (2023). Developing the monitoring and evaluation framework for ‘Australia’s antimicrobial resistance strategy: 2020 and beyond’ using a one health approach. 17th World Congress on Public Health, Rome, Italy, 2-6 May 2023. Heraklion, Greece: European Publishing. doi: 10.18332/popmed/164014

Developing the monitoring and evaluation framework for ‘Australia’s antimicrobial resistance strategy: 2020 and beyond’ using a one health approach

2023

Journal Article

Study Protocol: Rethinking Integrated Models of Care for Type 2 Diabetes (Re-IMCD): Can Digital Health Better Integrate Care for People with Diabetes, Hospitals and Primary Care?

Chua, David, Vasconcelos Silva, Carina, Comans, Tracy, Mayr, Hannah L., Janda, Monika, Gray, Leonard C., Russell, Anthony W. and Menon, Anish (2023). Study Protocol: Rethinking Integrated Models of Care for Type 2 Diabetes (Re-IMCD): Can Digital Health Better Integrate Care for People with Diabetes, Hospitals and Primary Care?. SSRN Electronic Journal. doi: 10.2139/ssrn.4335751

Study Protocol: Rethinking Integrated Models of Care for Type 2 Diabetes (Re-IMCD): Can Digital Health Better Integrate Care for People with Diabetes, Hospitals and Primary Care?

2022

Journal Article

Sitting less and moving more for improved metabolic and brain health in type 2 diabetes: ‘OPTIMISE your health’ trial protocol

Brakenridge, Christian J., Gardiner, Paul A., Grigg, Ruth V., Winkler, Elisabeth A. H., Fjeldsoe, Brianna S., Schaumberg, Mia A., Owen, Neville, Eakin, Elizabeth G., Biddle, Stuart J. H., Moodie, Marjory, Daly, Robin M., Green, Daniel J., Cohen, Neale, Gray, Len, Comans, Tracy, Buman, Matthew P., Goode, Ana D., Nguyen, Phuong, Gao, Lan, Healy, Genevieve N. and Dunstan, David W. (2022). Sitting less and moving more for improved metabolic and brain health in type 2 diabetes: ‘OPTIMISE your health’ trial protocol. BMC Public Health, 22 (1) 929. doi: 10.1186/s12889-022-13123-x

Sitting less and moving more for improved metabolic and brain health in type 2 diabetes: ‘OPTIMISE your health’ trial protocol

2022

Conference Publication

Development of an age- and comorbidity-adjusted optimal radiotherapy utilisation rate for older adults with lung cancer

Mackenzie, Penny, Vajdic, Claire, Delaney, Geoff, Comans, Tracy, Agar, Meera, Gabriel, Gabriel and Barton, Michael (2022). Development of an age- and comorbidity-adjusted optimal radiotherapy utilisation rate for older adults with lung cancer. HOBOKEN: WILEY.

Development of an age- and comorbidity-adjusted optimal radiotherapy utilisation rate for older adults with lung cancer

2022

Conference Publication

Development of an Age- and Comorbidity- Adjusted Optimal Radiotherapy Utilisation Rate for Patients with Lung Cancer

Mackenzie, P., Vajdic, C., Delaney, G., Comans, T., Agar, M., Gabriel, G. and Barton, M. (2022). Development of an Age- and Comorbidity- Adjusted Optimal Radiotherapy Utilisation Rate for Patients with Lung Cancer. SIOG 2022 Annual Conference, Geneva, Switzerland, 28-30 October 2022. New York, NY United States: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/s1879-4068(22)00255-7

Development of an Age- and Comorbidity- Adjusted Optimal Radiotherapy Utilisation Rate for Patients with Lung Cancer

2022

Journal Article

Radiotherapy utilisation rates for patients with cancer as a function of age: a systematic review

Mackenzie, Penny, Vajdic, Claire, Delaney, Geoff, Comans, Tracy, Morris, Lucinda, Agar, Meera, Gabriel, Gabriel and Barton, Michael (2022). Radiotherapy utilisation rates for patients with cancer as a function of age: a systematic review. Journal of Geriatric Oncology, 14 (3) 101387, 101387. doi: 10.1016/j.jgo.2022.10.002

Radiotherapy utilisation rates for patients with cancer as a function of age: a systematic review

2022

Journal Article

Publicly subsidised smoking cessation medicines in times of COVID-19 in Australia: an interrupted time seriesanalysis

Baliunas, Dolly, Gartner, Coral , Hollingworth, Samantha A. , Sullivan, Clair , Comans, Tracy and Pole, Jason D. (2022). Publicly subsidised smoking cessation medicines in times of COVID-19 in Australia: an interrupted time seriesanalysis. Drug and Alcohol Review, 42 (1), 225-232. doi: 10.1111/dar.13557

Publicly subsidised smoking cessation medicines in times of COVID-19 in Australia: an interrupted time seriesanalysis

2022

Journal Article

Evaluation of an exercise and ergonomics intervention for the prevention of neck pain in office workers: exploratory analysis of a cluster randomised trial

Johnston, Venerina, Jackson, Katherine, Welch, Alyssa, Sjøgaard, Gisela, Comans, Tracy Ann, Straker, Leon, Melloh, Markus, Gane, Elise, Bowe, Steve and O'Leary, Shaun (2022). Evaluation of an exercise and ergonomics intervention for the prevention of neck pain in office workers: exploratory analysis of a cluster randomised trial. Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 79 (11) 108275, 1-8. doi: 10.1136/oemed-2022-108275

Evaluation of an exercise and ergonomics intervention for the prevention of neck pain in office workers: exploratory analysis of a cluster randomised trial

2022

Journal Article

Economic evaluation of antimicrobial stewardship in primary care: a systematic review and quality assessment

Wubishet, Befikadu L, Merlo, Gregory, Ghahreman-Falconer, Nazanin, Hall, Lisa and Comans, Tracy (2022). Economic evaluation of antimicrobial stewardship in primary care: a systematic review and quality assessment. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, 77 (9), 2373-2388. doi: 10.1093/jac/dkac185

Economic evaluation of antimicrobial stewardship in primary care: a systematic review and quality assessment

2022

Journal Article

Estimating the effects of physical violence and serious injury on health-related quality of life: Evidence from 19 waves of the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia Survey

Keramat, Syed Afroz, Nguyen, Kim-Huong, Perales, Francisco, Seidu, Abdul-Aziz, Mohammed, Aliu, Ahinkorah, Bright Opoku and Comans, Tracy (2022). Estimating the effects of physical violence and serious injury on health-related quality of life: Evidence from 19 waves of the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia Survey. Quality of Life Research, 31 (11), 3153-3164. doi: 10.1007/s11136-022-03190-3

Estimating the effects of physical violence and serious injury on health-related quality of life: Evidence from 19 waves of the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia Survey

2022

Journal Article

Morbid obesity, multiple long-term conditions, and health-related quality of life among Australian adults: estimates from three waves of a longitudinal household survey

Keramat, Syed Afroz, Alam, Khorshed, Keating, Byron, Ahinkorah, Bright Opoku, Gyan Aboagye, Richard, Seidu, Abdul-Aziz, Samad, Nandeeta, Saha, Monidipa, Gow, Jeff, Biddle, Stuart J.H. and Comans, Tracy (2022). Morbid obesity, multiple long-term conditions, and health-related quality of life among Australian adults: estimates from three waves of a longitudinal household survey. Preventive Medicine Reports, 28 101823, 1-10. doi: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2022.101823

Morbid obesity, multiple long-term conditions, and health-related quality of life among Australian adults: estimates from three waves of a longitudinal household survey

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 - 2025
    The Australian Consortium for Aged Care - Quality Measurement Toolbox (ACAC-QMET): Improving Quality of Care through Better Measurement and Evaluation (MRFF DAAC Grant administered by University of So
    South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute Limited
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2027
    Australian Cerebral Palsy Musculoskeletal Health Network
    NHMRC MRFF EPCDR - Chronic Musculoskeletal Conditions in Children and Adolescents
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2025
    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
  • 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 - 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 - 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

  • 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
    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