OBJECTIVES: To analyze in scientific publications how the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) has been employed to evaluate the elderly. METHODS: Integrative review of periodical publications between 2011 and 2015, available online in full-text in Portuguese, English and Spanish. RESULTS: 129 articles were found; after the application of the criteria, they resulted in 21. The studies were categorized into two groups: A) follow or compare scores in FIM (cohort studies, case-control, clinical trials), focusing on rehabilitation, evaluation of programs and changes in the functional level after procedures/interventions; and B) measure/associate the functionality of the elderly (cross-sectional studies), focused on evaluation protocols in elderly health and associations to the caregiver burden, hospital stay, balance, satisfaction with life, cognition and clinical/socio-demographic aspects. CONCLUSION: The FIM was used in several scenarios of healthcare for the elderly, particularly in rehabilitation and outpatient clinics or health centers.
OBJECTIVES: To analyze in scientific publications how the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) has been employed to evaluate the elderly. METHODS: Integrative review of periodical publications between 2011 and 2015, available online in full-text in Portuguese, English and Spanish. RESULTS: 129 articles were found; after the application of the criteria, they resulted in 21. The studies were categorized into two groups: A) follow or compare scores in FIM (cohort studies, case-control, clinical trials), focusing on rehabilitation, evaluation of programs and changes in the functional level after procedures/interventions; and B) measure/associate the functionality of the elderly (cross-sectional studies), focused on evaluation protocols in elderly health and associations to the caregiver burden, hospital stay, balance, satisfaction with life, cognition and clinical/socio-demographic aspects. CONCLUSION: The FIM was used in several scenarios of healthcare for the elderly, particularly in rehabilitation and outpatient clinics or health centers.