Functional Independence Measure
A standardized 18-item assessment tool rating an older adult's level of independence across motor and cognitive tasks during rehabilitation.
Full Definition
The Functional Independence Measure (FIM) is an 18-item clinical assessment instrument used widely in geriatric rehabilitation to quantify a patient's level of disability and the burden of care. Items are scored on a 7-point ordinal scale ranging from total assistance to complete independence, covering domains such as self-care, sphincter control, transfers, locomotion, communication, and social cognition. It serves as a benchmark for tracking functional progress over the course of rehabilitation. Editors working on discharge summaries, case reports, or clinical trial protocols must ensure 'Functional Independence Measure' is spelled out on first use before the abbreviation FIM is introduced. The scale is sometimes confused with the Functional Assessment Measure (FAM), which is a supplementary tool, not a standalone instrument.
Usage
Usage note: Always abbreviate as FIM (not FI Measure or F.I.M.) after first use. Do not conflate with the FAM, which is a separate extension tool.
In Context
- "The patient's Functional Independence Measure score improved from 62 to 89 over the six-week inpatient rehabilitation program." — Discharge summary
- "FIM scores were recorded at admission, at two weeks, and at discharge to track rehabilitation outcomes." — Clinical trial protocol