A comparison of the Functional Independence Measure and Morse Fall Scale as tools to assess risk of fall on an inpatient rehabilitation.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine if the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) is as useful as the Morse Fall Scale in determining which patients admitted to an inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF) are at highest risk for fall.

Method: Review of the charts of all patients admitted to an IRF in calendar year 2010.

Findings: Low scores on the FIM are as useful as high scores on the MFS in suggesting that a patient is at high risk for fall.