Enhancing supportive care and promoting quality of life: Clinical practice guidelines

The SCQL Committee is committed to improving the QOL of all children infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. Children should always be cared for in a loving family environment. The willingness of children and their guardians to participate in our pediatric and perinatal ACTG trials places an obligation on the investigator to ensure not only scientific integrity of the clinical trials, but that the principles outlined above are respected and supported. The definition of QOL varies from person to person and its subjective nature makes measurement difficult. The SCQL Committee offers the following as parameters for such a definition: Having the encouragement and support of others to dream about tomorrow. To wake up each day with purpose and goals. To be able to live, play, and work comfortably and happily in the home, at school, or on the job. To be free of pain and other symptoms as much as possible through the progression of the disease. To be held and comforted by your loved ones at the time of death.