functional independence measure (FIM)

Indications

• used widely in rehabilitation settings on admission & discharge

Procedure

Areas assessed:

• self care (eating, grooming, bathing, dressing upper body, dressing lower body, toileting
• sphincter control (bowel & bladder)
• transfers (bed, chair or wheelchair, toilet, tub or shower)
• locomotion (walk vs wheelchair, stairs)
• communication (comprehension, expression)

Interpretation

No helper

• 7. complete independence (timely, safely)
• 6. modified independence (device)

Helper

• Modified dependence
  • 5. supervision
  • 4. minimal assistance (subject = 75% +)
• Complete dependence
  • 2. maximal assistance (subject = 25% +)
  • 1. total assistance (subject = 0% =)

More general terms

• performance scale
• functional assessment