Functional Independence Measure
Also written as: FIM — Functional Independence Measure
Standardized assessment tool measuring disability and rehabilitation progress in neurological patients.
Full Definition
The Functional Independence Measure (FIM) is a widely used standardized assessment instrument that evaluates the level of disability and tracks rehabilitation progress in patients with neurological conditions. The FIM consists of 18 items across six domains: self-care, sphincter control, transfers, locomotion, communication, and social cognition. Each item is scored from 1 (total assistance) to 7 (complete independence), providing a total score range of 18-126. The FIM is particularly valuable in neurological rehabilitation as it provides objective data for treatment planning, progress monitoring, and outcome measurement across multidisciplinary teams.
Usage
Usage note: Always capitalize FIM when using the acronym. Specify motor FIM vs. cognitive FIM subscores when relevant.
In Context
- "The patient's FIM score increased from 68 to 89 during the rehabilitation admission." — Discharge summary report
- "FIM assessments are completed weekly to monitor functional progress." — Quality assurance documentation