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Functional Independence Measure

Discover how the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) helps healthcare providers evaluate a patient's level of independence and plan for their care.

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By Harriet Murray on Aug 2, 2025.

Fact Checked by Ericka Pingol.

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Functional Independence Measure Template

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Commonly asked questions

The Functional Independence Measure (FIM) is scored using a seven-point scale that ranges from complete dependence to complete independence. The scale is used to rate a patient's level of assistance needed for specific tasks in self-care, sphincter control, transfers, locomotion, communication, and social cognition.

To score the Functional Independence Measure (FIM), healthcare professionals rate a patient's level of assistance needed for specific tasks using a seven-point scale that ranges from complete dependence to complete independence. The scores for each task are then totaled to provide an overall score for the patient's level of functional independence.

The Functional Independence Measure (FIM) is a popular tool for healthcare professionals because it provides a standardized and objective way to assess a patient's level of functional independence. This tool allows practitioners to track a patient's progress over time and identify areas where additional intervention may be necessary, ultimately improving the patient's overall health and well-being.

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