Functional profile of patients in the geriatric evaluation and management in the home (GEMITH) program using the functional independence measure (FIM): A retrospective cohort study

Introduction: There is an increased demand for occupational therapy in response to complex health conditions and disability associated with ageing. The Geriatric Evaluation and Management in the Home (GEMITH) program is a new model of care aimed to meet this challenge effectively and economically. However, little is known about the functional profile of patients accessing these services. Objectives: To determine the functional profile of patients admitted to the GEMITH program using the Functional Independence Measure (FIM). Method: This is a retrospective cohort study of GEMITH patients over a 12-month period. Following ethical approval, patient demographic and admission FIM scores were accessed from the integrated electronic medical records of a tertiary health service and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS. Results: Patient’s admitted to GEMITH (n = 318) had a mean FIM motor sub-score of 68.64 (±16.25), a mean FIM cognitive sub-score of 25.46 (±7.33) and a mean total FIM score of 94.09 (±20.53). The lowest scoring motor and cognitive functions were stairs and memory respectively. Age and FIM motor scores had a significant negative correlation (p = .047) and days spent in hospital prior to GEMITH and FIM motor scores had a significant positive correlation (p < .004). There was no significant difference between FIM scores and gender (p > .05) or between FIM scores and ATSI status (p > .05). Conclusion: For the GEMITH population of patients, occupational therapy should focus on functions, including stairs, bathing, memory and problem-solving. This highlights the importance of falls prevention, patient safety and home risk assessments for the geriatric population.