FIM
Also written as: FIM — Functional Independence Measure
An 18-item assessment tool measuring disability and burden of care in rehabilitation settings.
Full Definition
The Functional Independence Measure (FIM) is a standardized assessment instrument used in rehabilitation medicine to evaluate a patient's level of disability and the burden of care required. It consists of 18 items across motor and cognitive domains, scored from 1 (total assistance) to 7 (complete independence). The FIM is widely used in inpatient rehabilitation facilities for admission criteria, discharge planning, and outcomes measurement. Proper capitalization and understanding of scoring methodology are essential for rehabilitation documentation.
Usage
Usage note: Always capitalize as FIM when using the acronym; spell out on first reference in formal documents.
In Context
- "The patient's FIM score improved from 84 to 102 during the three-week rehabilitation stay." — Rehabilitation progress note
- "Admission FIM scores must be documented within 72 hours of IRF admission." — Clinical documentation guideline