The role of the functional independence measure score in predicting the home discharge of inpatients with cerebrovascular diseases in convalescent rehabilitation wards.
Kunji Shirahama, Yuu Fudano, Kotomi Imai and 3 others
PMID 32581430WHAT IT FOUND
In patients with cerebrovascular disease, an admission motor FIM score of 53.5 to 60.0 points predicted discharge to home.
Higher scores for balance, cognition, and swallowing also distinguished those who went home from those who did not.
Key findings
01The cut-off point for the motor FIM score at admission to predict discharge to home was 53.5 to 60.0 points.
02Patients discharged to home had significantly higher admission scores for balance, cognitive function, and swallowing than those discharged to facilities.
03Patients discharged to home showed significantly higher daily improvement in motor FIM scores compared to those discharged to facilities.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTsWhat it means for SLPs
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What it does not show
The study did not analyze family structure, living environment, or financial situation, which are known factors affecting discharge destination. The sample size was small, with only 20 patients in the non-home discharge group. The study was conducted in a single hospital in Japan, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to other healthcare systems. The study design was retrospective, which may introduce bias.
Declared interests
The authors declare no potential conflicts of interest with respect to this research.
The easy way to misread this
Do not use the 53.5 to 60.0 motor FIM score as a definitive threshold for discharge. The study did not account for social factors like family support or living environment, which heavily influence discharge decisions. Additionally, the sample size was small, and the study was conducted in a single Japanese hospital, limiting its generalizability.