FIM in the community
FIM and WeeFIM were originally developed as reliable and valid instruments to document severity of disability and measure outcomes of rehabilitation treatment. They are minimum data sets that are traditionally scored by direct observation in inpatient rehabilitation settings. However, the FIM and WeeFIM instruments are now being utilised in other settings (e.g. NDIS, Insurers, Rehab in The Home) for eligibility/funding. In these cases, it is important to note that FIM is a basic indicator of Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and in settings outside of inpatient rehabilitation, other assessment instruments (such as instrumental ADL measures related to independent living) may be more appropriate. For more information regarding some other outcome measures, refer to Ambulatory Outcome Measures on AROC’s website. See below for information about training and resources for clinicians using the FIM/WeeFIM instruments in a community setting.
Training
Community Assessors conduct FIM and/or WeeFIM one-off functional assessments in a community setting. Clinicians must be credentialed in FIM or WeeFIM to conduct these assessments. FIM or WeeFIM Training specific for Community Assessors is available online by video conference on limited dates. Please email your enquiry to fim@uow.edu.au for more information.
Resources
TIP SHEET - Conducting FIM via Telehealth
TIP SHEET - Using FIM in the community
Community FIM/WeeFIM Assessor List
The Community FIM/WeeFIM Assessor List is a listing of FIM/WeeFIM clinicians available to perform FIM or WeeFIM assessments in a community setting. Those on the list have signed the downloadable authorisation form (pdf) allowing AROC to publicly show their details. This listing only provides the name, credentialing status, location and contact details of FIM and/or WeeFIM clinicians.
Inclusion of a clinician on this list indicates that they are credentialed in the FIM or WeeFIM only and does not indicate any endorsement or approval on behalf of AROC.
It is the responsibility of the FIM or WeeFIM clinician to ensure:
- they remain credentialed in FIM and/or WeeFIM
- their contact details remain updated in AROC Online Services AOS
- they liaise directly with the requestor
- they arrange their own logistics and invoicing
It is the responsibility of the person/organisation requesting the assessment to:
- liaise directly with the FIM or WeeFIM clinician
- verify professional registration requirements and other compliances with the clinician
Access the Community FIM/WeeFIM Assessor List.
FAM (Functional Assessment Measure)
The FAM consists of 12 unique items designed initially for use in Brain Injury, specifically addressing cognitive and psychosocial areas. Plus 6 Extended ADL (Activities of Daily Living) items covering Meal prep, Laundry, Shopping etc.
In the UK, the FAM does not stand alone but is used in conjunction with the FIM (FIM+FAM). The FAM has been included in the Rehabilitation In The Home (RITH) data collection along with the FIM, an AROC FAM Manual is available to download. FAM items are not as structured, and some FAM items overlap with the FIM items. The FIM is scored as a standalone scale, with the FAM items as add-ons. Therefore, both the scoring and training of the FIM and FAM items remain distinct. For the purposes of FAM training in Australia and NZ, a clinician must first complete the FIM training, and then may choose to self-teach or study the FAM items more formally. AROC has a short introductory 30 minute training webinar and slides on the FAM (link to download). Further information and the tool is also available via the Kings College London website (link below).
Whilst AROC can, and has in the past, provided FAM training to groups of clinicians who are interested in using this tool, training and credentialing in the FAM tool are not a requirement of AROC. Therefore, AROC does not schedule yearly FAM workshops. If you wish to organise FAM training specific for your organisation conducted by an AROC Master Trainer, please email fim@uow.edu.au. Otherwise, use the link below and/or the AROC FAM webinar/manual for self-study..
King's College London - FIM+FAM - The Functional Independence Measure and Functional Assessment Measure (kcl.ac.uk)