Functional Independence Measure
Also written as: FIM — Functional Independence Measure
A standardized 18-item clinical assessment tool that quantifies the level of assistance a patient requires to perform daily activities.
Full Definition
The Functional Independence Measure (FIM) is an 18-item ordinal scale used widely in inpatient rehabilitation settings to track a patient's progress toward independent functioning. Each item is scored from 1 (total assistance required) to 7 (complete independence), covering motor and cognitive domains. Editors working on rehabilitation discharge summaries, outcome reports, and insurance documentation will frequently encounter FIM scores and must represent them accurately. The acronym FIM should always be introduced with its full form on first use in formal documents. Editors must not confuse FIM with FAM (Functional Assessment Measure), a related but distinct tool.
Usage
Usage note: Always expand FIM on first mention in formal reports. Scores range from 18 to 126; editors should flag any values outside this range as potential errors.
In Context
- "The patient's FIM score improved from 42 at admission to 89 at discharge." — Inpatient rehabilitation discharge summary
- "Functional Independence Measure (FIM) ratings were recorded by the occupational therapist at weekly intervals." — Outcomes research report