Functional Independence Measurement Score Essay

FIM (Functional Independence Measurement Score): The Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scale assesses physical and cognitive disability. This scale focuses on the burden of care – that is, the level of disability indicating the burden of caring for the patients. Items are scored on the level of assistance required for an individual to perform activities of daily living. The scale includes 18 items, of which 13 items are for physical assessment and 5 items are for cognition. Each item is scored from 1 to 7 based on level of independence, where 1 represents total dependence and 7 indicates complete independence. Higher score indicates maximum level of independent function. FIM score of the participants will be documented on admission. Discharge goals and expected outcomes will be set upon admission into the Acute Rehab Unit. The interventions will be implemented based on the level of FIM score. (See Appendix D). The “Teach Back” method helpful for assessing patient and family caregiver understanding of fall and injury risk and associated safety …show more content…
With a larger study sample, more statistically significant risk factors or falls could be detected. Since the mean age of the participants would be 74.4 years, and both the risk of stroke and falls are increased with age, the frequency of falls in a general stroke population could be underestimated. Length of study is short, only six months. Longer follow-up period would help detect trends of learning deficits of the participants. Not all stroke patients are included in the study. Only limited patients with higher FIM score and predicted to be able achieve higher functional independency are included. The patients with a serious stroke have major functional impairment, and they are dependent for their ADLs are excluded from the study. They don’t qualify for acute rehab