The Functional Independence Measure used in a Dutch rehabilitating stroke population; a pilot study to assess progress.
In contrast to the United States, the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) is seldom used in Dutch rehabilitation settings. The purpose of this study was to determine if the FIM could be used in a Dutch stroke population to assess progress during rehabilitation. Patients with a recent stroke who received inpatient treatment were included in this longitudinal pilot study, which used the standard error of measurement (SEM) to quantify progress. Mean (SD) age of the subjects (n=48) was 61.3 (10.5) and 25 (56%%) were male. Mean (SD) length of stay (LOS) was 141.3 (75.0) days. For 42 subjects, admission and discharge scores of the FIM were registered. The mean admission (93.0, SD=23.3), as well as the discharge (112.4, SD=11.0) scores were rather high. The mean FIM difference (SD) between admission and discharge was 19.3 (16.9). However, only 55% exceeded a difference score of 13 points, indicating progress. Results of this pilot study confirm the ceiling effect of the FIM in this population. Based on the findings of our pilot study we conclude that the FIM is not suitable to assess progress in a Dutch rehabilitating stroke population.