Increasing chronic diseases in children and adolescents such as obesity,
asthma bronchiale, or mental disorders, result in a growing importance of
rehabilitation programs and subsequent program evaluations. We conducted a
systematic literature search in 5 databases and provided an overview of
methods for evaluating inpatient child and adolescent rehabilitation
programs. This included an identification of generic and indication-specific
outcomes and standardized measuring instruments. Eighteen studies covering 8
indication groups were considered for the qualitative analysis according to
the pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Overall, the 18 studies
included eight generic outcomes: (1) quality of life, (2) psychological
well-being, (3) perceived changes, (4) functionality, (5) rehabilitation
satisfaction, (6) self-management/-efficacy, (7) days of absence and
(8) self-esteem. Eighteen standardized measuring instruments and 6
self-developed questionnaires were used to assess the 8 generic outcomes.
Besides, indication-specific outcomes for 5 indications namely traumatic
brain injury, obesity, diabetes, eating disorders and neurodermatitis, were
reported. Overall, the present systematic review summarizes essential
content (8 generic outcomes) and methods for evaluations of children and
adolescent rehabilitation programs; however, before choosing a generic
measuring tool during an evaluation, the psychometric validity of the
instruments should be evaluated. In addition to the generic perspective, the
evaluation of disease-specific outcomes is recommended.