Tracy is Professor of Healthcare & Implementation Science in the Department of Nursing, Midwifery & Health, having joined ϲ in November 2017. Tracy has a background in health psychology, with broad experience in teaching and research. She has built her academic career in the UK with appointments at Manchester University & Newcastle University, after completing her PhD in 1999, from Deakin University, Australia.
Tracy’s research focuses on the social, psychological and organisational aspects of implementing new interventions in health and wellbeing. Her research interests include applied health research (qualitative/mixed methods) in relation to a broad range of health issues, including mental health, intervention and services for older people, patient safety systems, health care experiences, and e-health interventions.
Tracy is known for her work in implementation science, most notably Normalization Process Theory (NPT), of which she is co-developer. This work includes applying theoretical perspectives and novel research methodologies to understand and shape the processes of healthcare improvement through implementation of changes in practice; development and application of theory based tools and assessment instruments to support non-academic users conducting implementation work in practice settings; and development of qualitative and mixed methods process evaluation methodology in trials of therapeutic and healthcare delivery interventions.
Key areas of expertise:
• Implementation science
• Healthcare technology (ehealth, telehealth)
• Qualitative Research Methods
• Health technology and health service evaluation
• Process evaluation of Randomised Controlled Trials
Key current projects include:
European Union Horizon 2020 funded study: ImpleMentAll: Towards evidence-based tailored implementation strategies for eHealth. Lead partner: University of Southern Denmark. Jan 2017-Mar 2021. Website:
The Health Foundation, Scaling up programme. Telemedicine for adults with cochlear implants in the UK: empowering patients to manage their own hearing healthcare. Led by Dr Helen Cullington. See:
NIHR HTA: RATULS: Robot Assisted Training for the Upper Limb after Stroke. Led by Prof Helen Rodgers. Website:
NIHR Programme Grants for Applied Research: Improving the diagnosis and management of neurodegenerative dementia of Lewy body type in the NHS (DIAMOND-Lewy). Led by Prof John O'Brien. Website:
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