Sarah Tonkin-Crine

I am an Associate Professor and Health Psychologist and lead a programme of research utilising behavioural science approaches and qualitative methods in primary care research. I am an expert member of the Government's Advisory Committee on Antimicrobial Prescribing, Resistance and Healthcare Associated Infection (APRHAI) which provides practical and scientific advice to the government on minimising the risk of healthcare associated infections.

I lead projects aimed at reducing unnecessary antibiotic prescribing in primary care. This is important because antibiotics are a scarce resource and evidence indicates that they are often prescribed unnecessarily for uncomplicated acute infections. I am interested in changing the behaviour of patients, so that they consume fewer antibiotics, and the behaviour of clinicians, so that fewer antibiotics are prescribed.

I have a particular interest in qualitative methods and undertaking exploratory research with populations to find out why people behave in a certain way. My previous research has involved both primary and secondary analysis of qualitative data and triangulation of mixed methods data. I frequently carry out mixed-methods research alongside clinical trials as part of process evaluations.

Previously I completed a BSc in Psychology (Cardiff University), a Masters in Health Psychology (University of Bath) and a PhD in Health Psychology and Professional Practice (University of Southampton). I am currently registered as Health Psychologist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and as a Chartered Psychologist with the British Psychological Society (BPS).

I am interested in supervising undergraduate, MSc or DPhil students on projects involving patient or clinician behaviour change, particularly in relation to clinician decision-making.