FIM
Also written as: FIM — Functional Independence Measure
Abbreviation for Functional Independence Measure, the standardized rehabilitation outcome scale assessing motor and cognitive function.
Full Definition
FIM is the universally recognized abbreviation for the Functional Independence Measure, an 18-item scale scoring patient independence in self-care, sphincter management, transfers, locomotion, communication, and social cognition. In clinical rehabilitation documents, FIM appears both as a standalone abbreviation after first-use definition and as a prefix in compound terms such as 'FIM score' and 'FIM gain'. Editors should ensure FIM is defined on first use in any document intended for a non-specialist audience. The acronym should not be confused with 'FIM' used in financial or military contexts.
Usage
Usage note: Define on first use. Do not italicise. Use 'FIM score' not 'FIM® score' unless the document specifically reproduces the trademarked instrument.
In Context
- "Mean FIM gain over the six-week program was 23.4 points." — Rehabilitation outcome summary
- "The FIM was administered by a certified rehabilitation nurse on days 1, 14, and 28." — Clinical trial protocol