Overview
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
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
2023
Journal Article
Economic evaluations of mHealth interventions for the management of type 2 diabetes: a scoping review
Tornvall, Ida, Kenny, Danelle, Wubishet, Befikadu Legesse, Russell, Anthony, Menon, Anish and Comans, Tracy (2023). Economic evaluations of mHealth interventions for the management of type 2 diabetes: a scoping review. Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology, 19 (1), 19322968231183956-190. doi: 10.1177/19322968231183956
2023
Journal Article
Value for money of CAR-T cell therapy for patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in China: Evidence from a cost-effectiveness analysis
Wu, Weijia, Zhou, Yuping, Wang, Yannan, Keramat, Syed Afroz, Balasooriya, Namal N., Zhao, Zixuan, Yang, Yi, Comans, Tracy and Dong, Hengjin (2023). Value for money of CAR-T cell therapy for patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in China: Evidence from a cost-effectiveness analysis. Applied Health Economics and Health Policy, 21 (5), 773-783. doi: 10.1007/s40258-023-00817-5
2023
Journal Article
A single-blind, parallel-group randomised trial of a technology-assisted and remotely delivered cognitive behavioural therapy intervention (Tech-CBT) versus usual care to reduce anxiety in people with mild cognitive impairment and dementia: study protocol for a randomised trial
Dissanayaka, Nadeeka, Brooks, Deborah, Worthy, Peter, Mitchell, Leander, Pachana, Nancy A., Byrne, Gerard, Keramat, Syed Afroz, Comans, Tracy, Bennett, Sally, Liddle, Jacki, Chatfield, Mark D., Broome, Annette, Oram, Joanne, Appadurai, Kanaganayagam, Beattie, Elizabeth, Au, Tiffany, King, Teagan, Welsh, Kimberley and Pietsch, Ann (2023). A single-blind, parallel-group randomised trial of a technology-assisted and remotely delivered cognitive behavioural therapy intervention (Tech-CBT) versus usual care to reduce anxiety in people with mild cognitive impairment and dementia: study protocol for a randomised trial. Trials, 24 (1) 420, 1-17. doi: 10.1186/s13063-023-07381-2
2023
Journal Article
Cognitive impairment and health-related quality of life amongst older Australians: evidence from a longitudinal investigation
Keramat, Syed Afroz, Lee, Vanessa, Patel, Rajat, Hashmi, Rubayyat and Comans, Tracy (2023). Cognitive impairment and health-related quality of life amongst older Australians: evidence from a longitudinal investigation. Quality of Life Research, 32 (10), 2911-2924. doi: 10.1007/s11136-023-03449-3
2023
Journal Article
Revised service metrics partially explain variation in outcomes across facilities in a state‐wide advanced practice public musculoskeletal service
Raymer, Maree, Window, Peter, Cottrell, Michelle, Comans, Tracy and O'Leary, Shaun (2023). Revised service metrics partially explain variation in outcomes across facilities in a state‐wide advanced practice public musculoskeletal service. Musculoskeletal Care, 21 (2), 562-570. doi: 10.1002/msc.1717
2023
Conference Publication
EE464 Cost effectiveness of a dietitian delivered telephone coaching program for preventing gestational diabetes mellitus
de Jersey, S., Keramat, S. A., Chang, A. T., Meloncelli, N., Guthrie, T., Eakin, E. G. and Comans, T. (2023). EE464 Cost effectiveness of a dietitian delivered telephone coaching program for preventing gestational diabetes mellitus. ISPOR 2023, Copenhagen, Denmark, 12-15 November 2023. New York, NY USA: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.jval.2023.03.765
2023
Conference Publication
New technology assisted interventions to combat anxiety and depression in dementia
Dissanayaka, N.N., Pacas Fronza, G., Mitchell, L., Pachana, N., Worthy, P., Byrne, G., Keramat, S.A., Comans, T., Bennett, S., Liddle, J., Chatfield, M., Broome, A., Oram, J., Appadurai, K., Beattie, E., Welsh, K., King, T., Brimelow, R., Burley, C., Pietsch, A., Brooks, D. and Au, T. (2023). New technology assisted interventions to combat anxiety and depression in dementia. Australian Dementia Research Forum 2023, Gold Coast, QLD Australia, 29-31 May 2023.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Funding
Current funding
Supervision
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
-
2025
Doctor Philosophy
DEVELOPMENT OF A PICTURE-BASED QUALITY-OF-LIFE ASSESSMENT TOOL FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Anthony Angwin, Professor Nadeeka Dissanayaka
-
2025
Doctor Philosophy
Heuristics and Biases in Budgeting Decisions for Home Care Packages Under Consumer-directed Care Funding Model
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Kim-Huong Nguyen, Dr Zachary Breig
-
2022
Doctor Philosophy
Quality measurement in aged care to inform economic analyses
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Kim-Huong Nguyen
-
2025
Doctor Philosophy
Exploring the use of causal inference in infectious disease epidemiology
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Mr Mark Chatfield, Professor Lisa Hall
-
2024
Doctor Philosophy
Embracing Digital Health: Investigating the potential of an mHealth-supported model of care for type 2 diabetes in regional, rural, and remote Queensland
Associate Advisor
-
2020
Doctor Philosophy
Telerehabilitation in the management of chronic musculoskeletal conditions: an implementation science approach
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Shaun O'Leary, Professor Trevor Russell
Media
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