Outcome measures: When to use which.

Determining Burden of Care - FIM

The Functional Independence Measure (FIM) provides a level of burden through assessment of mobility and ADL management. This interdisciplinary tool assesses 18 specific activities within six major categories to assess overall level of function and burden of care during mobility and ADLs.

Determining Reach Difficulty/Independence - FRT

The Functional Reach Test is a single task screening tool used to assess standing balance and risk of falling. A person is required to stand upright with a static base of support. A yardstick is positioned to measure the forward distance that a patient can reach without moving the feet. A patient that falls below the age appropriate range for functional reach has an increased risk for falling.

Determining Risk for Recurrent Falls - BBS

The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) is a tool designed to assess a patient’s risk for falling. There are 14 tasks each scored on an ordinal scale from 0-4. These tasks include static activities, transitional movements, and dynamic activities in standing and sitting positions. The max score is a 56 with a score <45 indicating increased risk for falling. BBS does not measure balance during ambulation or the required level of assistance during functional activities and instead looks at the risk of falling. A Berg Balance Scale score of less than 40 indicates significant increased risk for recurrent or multiple falls. A person scoring a 39 would not be a candidate for returning home alone without assistance and would likely require assistance for all mobility in order to ensure patient safety.

Determining Level of Assistance During Ambulation - BI

The Barthel Index is designed to measure the amount of assistance needed to perform ten different ADL and mobility activities with a total maximum score of 4  100. The index consists of 10 categories that includes ambulation on level surfaces.