Characteristics of the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) Scale in Terms of Neurological Conditions

Abstract

The Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scale is used to assess an individual’s functional capacity. It covers a wide variety of areas of daily life: self-care, sphincter control, transfers, locomotion, communication and social cognition. This tool plays an important role in the professional and academic work of nurses. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to characterize the FIM scale and its use in the care of neurological patients. The FIM scale has been shown to be an accurate and reliable tool for assessing activities of daily living. The FIM consists of 18 items assessing 6 areas of function. The items fall into two domains: motor (13 items) and cognitive (5 items). The respondent can receive from 1 (total assistance — the respondent performs less than 25% of the activity independently) to 7 points (full independence — the analyzed activity is performed safely and quickly) for each activity to be assessed. Many researchers also use the FIM as one of their measurement tools when designing and conducting research. (JNNN 2024;13(3):119–123)