FIM (Functional Independence Measure)

Question 1

FIM (Functional Independence Measure) is an 18-item tool used to:

Answer 1

assess a person’s level of disability and how much assistance they need to perform activities of daily living (ADLs)

Question 2

commonly used in:

Answer 2

rehab settings like inpatient rehab facilities (IRFs), especially for patients recovering from stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, etc.

Question 3

Full Name:

Answer 3

Functional Independence Measure

Question 4

Used for:

Answer 4

Assessing physical, psychological, and social function

Question 5

Scoring:

Answer 5

Each item is rated on a 7-point scale

Question 6

Total Scores:

Answer 6

Range from 18 (complete dependence) to 126 (complete independence)

Question 7

There are 2 major domains:

Answer 7

Motor (13 items)

Cognitive (5 items)

Question 8

Motor (13 items)
Includes areas like:

Answer 8

Self-care (eating, grooming, bathing, dressing upper/lower body, toileting)

Sphincter control (bladder & bowel)

Mobility/transfers (bed, chair, toilet, tub/shower)

Locomotion (walk/wheelchair, stairs)

Question 9

Cognitive (5 items)
Includes:

Answer 9

Communication (comprehension, expression)

Social cognition (social interaction, problem solving, memory)

Question 10

score: 0

Answer 10

Not tested (rare, usually scored 1)

Question 11

score: 1

Answer 11

Total Assistance
Patient = <25% effort

Question 12

score: 2

Answer 12

Maximal Assistance
Patient = 25–49% effort

Question 13

score: 3

Answer 13

Moderate Assistance
Patient = 50–74% effort

Question 14

score: 4

Answer 14

Minimal Assistance
Patient = 75%+ effort

Question 15

score: 5

Answer 15

Supervision/Setup
Verbal cue, standby

Question 16

score: 6

Answer 16

Modified Independence
Device, extra time

Question 17

score: 7

Answer 17

Complete Independence
No helper