The relationship of FIMS scores and quality of life in post long -term ventilator dependent patients who were discharged from a rehabilitation hospital /

Abstract

A retrospective study was conducted to determine the relationship between the Functional Independent Measure Systems (FIMS) and quality of life in post long-term ventilator dependent patients who were discharged from a rehabilitation hospital. The database from the hospital's medical records was used to obtain patient information on patients who were discharged home following long-term ventilator dependency. Chronic ventilator dependent patients who were admitted to a rehabilitation hospital in northeast Ohio, and subsequently discharged home, were identified. A survey was conducted to determine the patient's quality of life following their discharge from the hospital. These patient responses were then correlated with a composite FIM score. A total of eighteen post ventilator dependent patients responded to the survey that was conducted. Overall, the analysis revealed a statistically significant relationship existed between a higher composite FIM score and specific areas in post long-term ventilator dependent patient's quality of life.