Visiting Researcher
Email: bes25@medschl.cam.ac.uk
Background
Brooke is a Chartered Psychologist, with an interest in supporting patient and families at the end of life. Prior to beginning her research career, Brooke worked clinically in NHS mental health services. As part of the Palliative and End of Life Care Group at the University of Cambridge, she works as part of a team that aims to better understand what is needed to provide excellent care for patients at the end of life, and how existing healthcare services can better meet patient needs.
In addition to her post at Cambridge, Brooke is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology the University of Chester.
Current research projects include: the OPEL Study, the CAPE study and the Bereavement Support Study. Brooke is also a member of both the NCRI Advanced disease and end of life care workstream and of the British Psychosocial Oncology Society Executive Committee.
Research Interests
Brooke’s current research focuses on understanding patterns of care for patients approaching end of life, and the associated support needs of both patients and families. Within this, Brooke has specific interests in the psychological wellbeing of patients with haematological cancer, and in supporting families who experience bereavement.
Publications and conference presentations
Hulbert-Williams, NJ, Pendrous, R, Hulbert-Williams, L & Swash, B (accepted) Recruiting cancer survivors into research studies: piloting online recruitment strategies. eCancer.
Hulbert-Williams, NJ,Norwood, S, Gillanders, D, Finucane, A, Spiller, J, Strachan, J,Millington, S & Swash, B. (2019). Brief Engagement and Acceptance Coaching for Community and Hospice Settings (the BEACHeS Study): Protocol for the development and pilot testing of an evidence-based psychological intervention to enhance wellbeing and aid transition into palliative care. Pilot and Feasibility Studies, 5:104.
Barclay S, Moran E, Boase S, Johnson M, Lovick R, Graffy J, White P, Deboys B, Harrison K & Swash B (2019). Opportunities and challenges in Primary Palliative Care research: the experience of the CAPE study. BMJ Supportive and Palliative Care. Online First: 12 February 2019. doi: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2018-001653
Swash B, Thiemann P, Newman R, et al The role of primary care in providing bereavement support: perspectives from a community sample. BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care 2018;8:A1. Published conference abstract.
Thiemann P, Newman R, Swash B, et al A novel recruitment method for a study of recently bereaved people in the community. BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care 2018;8:A11. Published conference abstract.
Swash, B, Hulbert-Williams, N & Bramwell, R. The moderating role of psychological flexibility in the relationship between unmet need and psychological wellbeing in haematological cancer survivors. Journal of Contextual Behavioural Science (in press).
Ozakinci G, Swash B, Humphris G, Rogers S & Hulbert-Williams NJ. Fear of cancer recurrence in oral and oropharangeal cancer patients: A mixed methods investigation of the clinical encounter. European Journal of Cancer Care (in revision).
Hulbert-Williams, N.J., Pilkington, M., Swash, B., Gillanders, D., Lambert, S., MacDonald, F., Patterson, P. & Storey, L. (2016). Psychological transition after primary cancer treatment: component mapping using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for effective intervention development. Psycho-Oncology, 25 (S3), 71.
Swash, B, Hulbert-Williams, N & Bramwell, R (2016). “Haematological cancers… They’re a funny bunch”: A qualitative study of unmet need in haematological cancer. Journal of Health Psychology. Online First.
Swash, B, Moran, E, Boase, S & Barclay, S (2016) The CAPE study: a qualitative exploration of bereaved carer, GP and district nurse experiences of end of life care in the community. Palliative Medicine 30(4): 19.
Barclay, S, Swash, B, Boase, S & Moran, E (2016) The Community Care Pathways at End of Life (CAPE) Study: End of Life Care Provision in the Primary Care Setting. Palliative Medicine 30(4): 34.
Barclay, S, Moran, E, Boase, S & Swash, B (2016) Challenges and opportunities in undertaking Primary Palliative Care research: the experience of the CAPE study. Palliative Medicine 30(4): 46.
Swash, B, Hulbert-Williams, NJ & Bramwell, R (2014) Unmet psychosocial need in haematological cancer: A systematic review. Supportive Care in Cancer 22 (4): 1131-1141.