Functional Independence Measure
Also written as: FIM — Functional Independence Measure
A standardized 18-item clinical rating scale used in rehabilitation to assess a patient's level of disability and functional independence across motor and cognitive domains.
Full Definition
The Functional Independence Measure (FIM) is an 18-item ordinal scale widely used in inpatient rehabilitation settings to quantify a patient's burden of care and functional ability. Items are rated on a seven-point scale ranging from total dependence (1) to complete independence (7), covering self-care, sphincter control, transfers, locomotion, communication, and social cognition. In editorial contexts, it commonly appears in outcomes reports, clinical trial publications, and insurance assessments. Editors should ensure the acronym FIM is defined on first use and that scores are accurately transcribed, as transposition errors can materially alter clinical meaning. The tool is distinct from the Functional Capacity Evaluation, which assesses work readiness rather than activities of daily living.
Usage
Usage note: The acronym FIM is widely recognized in rehabilitation literature but must still be expanded on first use in any document.
In Context
- "The patient's Functional Independence Measure score improved from 42 at admission to 89 at discharge, indicating a substantial reduction in care burden." — Inpatient rehabilitation outcomes report
- "When editing rehabilitation research, verify that FIM subscores are reported separately for motor and cognitive domains." — Editorial checklist note