Functional Independence Measure (FIM)

Overview

  • A uniform measurement system for disability in terms of burden of care
  • Consists of 18 items
  • 2 basic domains: physical (13 items) and cognitive (5 items)
  • Each item is scored on a 7-point Likert scale
    (1 = total assistance, 7 = total independence)
  • A simple summed score of 18 – 126
    (18 represents complete dependence, 126 represents complete independence)

Advantages

  • Subscale scores for the physical and cognitive domains available

Disadvantages

  • Training in administration of the test required for good levels of reliability
  • An ordinal not continuous level scale