FIM
Pronunciation: fim
Also written as: FIM — Functional Independence Measure
Standard abbreviation for the Functional Independence Measure, an 18-item rehabilitation assessment tool measuring independence in motor and cognitive tasks.
Full Definition
FIM is the universally recognized abbreviation for the Functional Independence Measure. In geriatric rehabilitation documents, FIM appears frequently in progress notes, outcome tables, and research abstracts. Editors must verify that the full form is provided on first mention before FIM is used throughout a document. It should be rendered without periods (not F.I.M.) and is always capitalised. Confusing FIM with FAM (Functional Assessment Measure) or with WeeFIM (the pediatric version) is a common editorial error.
Usage
Usage note: Expand to 'Functional Independence Measure (FIM)' on first use. Never write 'FIM score score' (redundant).
In Context
- "Table 2 presents mean FIM scores for the intervention and control groups at three assessment points." — Research article results section
- "On admission, her FIM total was 48, indicating moderate dependence in most activities of daily living." — Inpatient progress note