[Measurement of functional independence: concordance of the assessments SINGER and FIM and consequences for the user].
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to evaluate the concordance between the assessments SINGER and FIM, both measurements for detecting functional disabilities in activities of daily living (ADL).


METHODS
301 rehabilitants were assessed with FIM and SINGER in the beginning and at the end of an inpatient rehabilitation program. Correla­tion coefficient, regression analysis, and Kappa statistics were applied to examine the relationship and the concordance between the 2 ADL scales.


RESULTS
The assessments were highly correlated (rPearson=0.94). The regression analysis lead to the formula SINGERpred=− 0.004FIM2+1.363FIM – 15.871 with a model fit of R2=0.896. After fixing the limits for a classification due to the functional status, Inter-Rater Reliability (Kappa) was κ=0.69.


CONCLUSIONS
Both measurements can be used for quality assurance, therapy monitoring, and to classify patients considering their functional disability. Criteria are presented to decide which assessment should be selected.
Medizinischer Dienst der Krankenversicherung (MDK) Rheinland-Pfalz, Alzey.
K
K
Freidel
MEDIAN Reha-Zentrum Bernkastel-Kues, MEDIAN Klinik Burg Landshut.
M
M
Leisse
D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000523:psychology*; D000368:Aged; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000145:classification* / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011594:Psychometrics / Q000379:methods*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012720:Severity of Illness Index