Adaptation of the Functional Independence Measure for use in Turkey.
OBJECTIVE
To adapt the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) for use in Turkey and to assess its validity and reliability.


METHODS
After the translation procedure, reliability was assessed using internal consistency, inter-rater reliability (kappa) and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Construct validity was tested by association with impairments and by fit of data to the Rasch model.


METHODS
The study was undertaken in an inpatient rehabilitation unit of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ankara.


METHODS
Consecutive stroke (n = 51) and spinal cord injury (SCI) (n = 62) patients admitted for rehabilitation over a period of three years were assessed at admission and discharge.


RESULTS
Internal consistency was good for stroke, and for SCI. The level of agreement between two raters was sufficient with kappa levels of above 0.48 for SCI and above 0.44 for stroke. Minimum ICC found was 0.90. Construct validity showed expected associations with the impairment scales. However, Rasch analysis showed that bladder and bowel items compromise unidimensionality in the motor scale.


CONCLUSIONS
Adaptation of the FIM has been successful and it can be used in Turkey as long as the limitations are recognized.
Küçükdeveci
A A
AA
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ankara, Turkey. ayse@tepa.com.tr
Yavuzer
G
G
Elhan
A H
AH
Sonel
B
B
Tennant
A
A
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011594:Psychometrics; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D018434:Sickness Impact Profile; D020521:Stroke / Q000523:psychology; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D014421:Turkey