Charting Bathing/Grooming/Dressing for FIMS

[Cehurstrn]

I am currently attempting to implement a better way to capture the burden of care with ADLs. Our RHS techs are typically completing the baths, so the nurses aren't always involved with ADLs in the morning, with the exception of toileting, because they're giving medications and obtaining labs. We have a bath book that they use for charting baths. However, because there is no guideline, many of our techs are logging "sponge bath done" or "assisted with bath." It doesn't give me an idea of how much the pt is able to do. I want to start capturing bathing, grooming and dressing in a way that is down and dirty, straight to the point, so that it's not a lot of documenting on the tech. Any ideas? I was thinking a sheet that has an image of a person and the tech can circle what the pt washed, rinsed and dried, or check next to what the pt did for grooming, etc.

[TraumaORnurse]

When I was a rehab manager, I had all of my techs go through basic FIMs training so they understood what the nurses were looking for. They then were able to tell the nurse in better detail what the patient was able to do and where and how much assistance was needed.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

When I was a rehab manager, I had all of my techs go through basic FIMs training so they understood what the nurses were looking for.

I agree. At the rehabilitation hospital where I work, all techs, nurses, OTs, PTs, and others involved in direct patient care are to complete basic FIM training. In addition, they are to become FIM-certified before they're allowed to complete FIM scoring on patients.

Proper training seems to be the best way to get everyone on the same page because it can create a literal meeting of the minds.