The WeeFIM [R] instrument–A paediatric measure of functional independence to predict longitudinal recovery of paediatric burn patients

Abstract

The WeeFIM can be utilized by burn centres to describe diminished functional capacity at discharge from acute care for severely burnt children. The tool can be used to track return to baseline independence after a major burn injury in a paediatric population.

Outcome Measurement Tools Currently Used to Assess Pediatric Burn Patients: An Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy Perspective

“…[13][14][15][16] Functional/Developmental Outcomes Ten studies were identified that assessed the functional and/or developmental outcomes of pediatric burn patients. 2,4,5,[7][8][9][17][18][19][20] Two of these studies, involving the American Burn Association and Shriners Hospitals for Children, reported on the development of two questionnaires to assess function in children with burn injuries. 4,5 The first of these is a selfadministered questionnaire to monitor pediatric patients aged 5 to 18 years with burn injury.…”

“…Also, the sensitivity of these questionnaires for patients with smaller TBSA burn injuries is not certain. Although further research is required to validate the findings of Serghiou et al, 2 the WeeFIM instrument seems a potentially useful measurement tool to assess the functional performance of children aged 6 to 16 years after major burn injury, with its brevity, ease of use, and ease of scoring making it an attractive option.…”

“…1 Burn injury can result in a wide range of complications that can impact on the child's developmental, functional, and aesthetic status. 2 Optimal functional and cosmetic outcomes for burn patients are achieved when patients are managed at dedicated, well-equipped burn facilities by a multidisciplinary team. Occupational therapy and physiotherapy are vital components of this multidisciplinary care, 2 with care aimed at preventing or minimizing impairment, activity limitation, or participation restriction resulting from the burn injury.…”

Feasibility, Reliability, and Agreement of the WeeFIM Instrument in Dutch Children With Burns

“…Moreover, they misinterpreted the levels of independence among the young age group (6 months-6 years) in their study. 20 Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility, reliability, and agreement when the WeeFIM instrument is used in children with burns who have been admitted to Dutch burn centers.…”

Evaluation of Function, Activity, and Participation

“…For this reason, the tool has demonstrated a ceiling effect when used with a child with a disability living in the community with higher levels of function. 22,23 The Wee-FIM™ measures function at the activity level of the ICF. It has been recommended that multiple instruments should be used to comprehensively measure outcomes for children with physical disabilities.…”