Elaine Sharp

I graduated from University of Strathclyde in 1997, and subsequently completed a pre-registration training post in an NHS hospital within Greater Glasgow and Clyde. I fully registered as a pharmacist in 1998, and have predominantly practised in NHS hospitals.

Between the years of 2000 and 2013 I was based in Western Sussex Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and had several roles during this time. I specialised in paediatrics, but gained clinical experience in most areas of general medicine. In 2008 I took up post as Lead Pharmacist for Medicines Information, this was a joint appointment with University of Brighton as a Teacher Practitioner. I became Course Leader for the NHS commissioned PgDip, which we set up and launched in 2011.

At the beginning of 2014 I began my current role as a full-time Senior Lecturer with University of Brighton.

I like to bring my clinical and professional experience to my teaching, meaning students can learn about relevant aspects of medicines use and patient care. I think it’s important for pharmacy students to be able to apply their scientific understanding to patient facing situations, in a very practical way. My lectures and workshops are interactive, I often use real-life patient case studies and include lots of discussion, debate and questioning. Being encouraged to work through problems and apply knowledge in this way helps students to develop their skills in clinical judgement.

My research interests include topics relating to medicines optimisation, such as the safe and effective use of medicines, or ways to improve pharmacy services for patients. I have a particular interest in projects relating to medicines in children. I am currently undertaking a part-time PhD, this is a mixed methods study in emerging adults with Type 1 diabetes, investigating psychological factors that influence everyday self-care activities.