The Clinical Utility of the Dream Home Assessment: An Occupational Therapy Evaluation of Executive Functioning

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the clinical utility of the Dream Home Assessment (DHA), a projective and executive function assessment for adults with mental health and substance use disorders. Participants included 23 clinicians. The majority affirmed its usefulness. 82% stated that they would use it in their practice. Its primary strengths were identified as themes: engaging and enjoyable, creative, assesses non-routine executive function skills, and convenient to use. Its primary weaknesses were time constraints, overly challenging tasks, triggers strong emotions, and barriers to material use. The study provides preliminary evidence of the clinical utility of the DHA.

Keywords:

• Executive function assessment
• mental health population
• occupational therapy performance-based assessment
• clinical utility

Acknowledgments

The authors thank Lee Ann Westover, MS, OTR/L, for her creative and resourceful use of the DHA in her clinical work with clients who have housing, mental health, substance use, and cognitive challenges.

Disclosure statement

Neither author has any conflict of interest to declare.